The Adamawa State NDLEA Commander, Agboalu Femi Samson disclosed to journalists at the weekend, how drug barons have invented new ways of concealing cocaine in the underside of shoes, in order to evade detection.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered the concealment of cocaine in hidden compartments in the soles of shoes.
The Adamawa State NDLEA Commander, Agboalu Femi Samson disclosed to journalists at the weekend, how drug barons have invented new ways of concealing cocaine in the underside of shoes, in order to evade detection.
The commander who made the disclosure at a briefing to kickstart week-long activities for this year's World Drug Day, also said at least 1.9 tons of cannabis sativa has been seized alongside 15 grams of cocaine and other illicit drugs by operatives of the state command of the NDLEA.
The anti-drug agency also secured the conviction of 148 drug criminals, comprising 145 males and three females in one year.
The commander further disclosed that a maximum of 10 years and a minimum of six months jail terms were handed to the convicted drug barons.
He said, "As you can see here, through credible intelligence we've uncovered how traffickers have concealed grams of cocaine inside shoe sole compartment.
"We have also successfully obtained the final forfeiture of 4 vehicles, interim forfeiture of 3 additional vehicles, as well as house consisting of 3 rooms located in Ngurore, Yola South LGA.”
“Monetary forfeiture has also seen an increase, with the sum of N851,153 forfeited to the Federal Government and deposited into the Treasury Single Account," Samson added.
He noted that the drug demand reduction drive of the command was progressing, "with 107 residential clients treated, counselled and rehabilitated; and 222 trafficking clients receiving brief intervention counseling”.
Samson further noted that the sensitisation program of the command had reached 47,372 persons in schools, communities, workplaces and faith-based organisations.
According to him, the command will embark on advocacy walk against drug abuse, while calling on stakeholders to reflect on the theme of this year's drug day; which is investing in prevention.