The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has revealed that the Federal Government is taking steps to remove the option of fines for individuals convicted of drug trafficking, describing the current provision as a loophole that undermines efforts to combat drug-related crimes.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said the proposed amendment to the NDLEA Act is being driven through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice. According to him, the amendment will replace the fine option with mandatory prison sentences ranging from 15 to 25 years for convicted drug traffickers.
Babafemi noted that while the judiciary has remained a dependable partner in prosecuting drug offenders, with the agency recording a conviction rate of nearly 90 percent, the availability of fines allows some convicted traffickers to avoid lengthy imprisonment.
He explained that offenders often pay fines running into millions of naira and return to the illicit drug trade. The proposed legislation, he said, is intended to close that gap by ensuring convicted traffickers serve jail terms without the option of paying fines.
According to Babafemi, the new law would send a strong message that anyone convicted of drug trafficking will face significant prison time and lose the proceeds of their criminal activities.
He also highlighted the agency’s continued success in tackling drug trafficking across the country. Describing the global drug trade as a complex challenge, Babafemi said the NDLEA has remained relentless in its operations, leading to a reduction in the availability of illicit drugs and a sharp increase in their street prices.
He added that some drug users have openly complained on social media about the scarcity of narcotics, noting that the price of a gram of cannabis has reportedly risen from about ₦5,000 to ₦35,000 due to the agency’s sustained enforcement efforts.
Babafemi further disclosed that the NDLEA has uncovered billions of naira in the bank accounts of suspected drug traffickers during recent operations. The accounts, he said, have been frozen while legal processes are underway to forfeit the funds to the Federal Government.
He also stated that Nigeria has become an increasingly difficult environment for drug traffickers, forcing many of them to flee abroad. However, he assured that the NDLEA continues to work closely with international law enforcement agencies to track down fugitives and bring them to justice.
