By Uzor Odigbo
In commemoration of the 2020 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking , the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has clamoured for all maritime stakeholders to support inter-agency cooperation, synergy, collaboration, sharing of intelligence and information to dismantle drug smuggling network in the port community.
According to a paper presentation by the Director, Seaport Operation, NDLEA, Omolade Faboyede, Nigeria must have the political will to tackle the issue of drug trafficking and the supervising agency must be strengthened and adequately funded to combat drug abuse and trafficking in the country.
Faboyede reiterated that over 90 per cent of goods transported globally by sea and constantly changing trading patterns between emerging and developing countries create new opportunities to shift such goods, affirming that “Since mid-2000 West Africa has emerged a transit point for trafficking of cocaine from South America to Europe.
The Director affirmed that recent drug trafficking has witnessed a massive movement of Cannabis Sativa from Ghana to Nigerian waters at an alarming rate.
He added that the illicit drugs are sometimes transported via indirect routes as main routes become better policed; traffickers select countries with weak enforcement or corruptible officers.
“Drugs are usually concealed in bulk cargoes, containers, cargo of cars, freight vehicles, trailers or coaches, ship hull and speed boats.
“Smuggling of drugs is possible through vessel without the knowledge of the crew. It is also possible that port staff may be involved.
In his view, the NDLEA boss further noted that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimated that $1.25 billion worth of cocaine passed the region in 2010 alone, calling on maritime stakeholders to endeavour to give their workers and seafarers drug abuse education and treatment for affected staff.
“The trafficking of narcotic drugs by sea has virtually become an industry comprised of many individual enterprises of varying size and organization. It is an attraction for major international criminal organizations and terrorist.
“In view of above, 26TH of June every year has been set aside by the United Nations for the celebration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
“The International day celebration is not only to educate on public issues of concern but to mobilize political will and resources to address and to celebrate the reinforced achievements of humanity.
“The theme for this year’s celebration is “Better Knowledge for Better care” thus the need to improve the understanding of the world drug problem and foster greater international cooperation for countering its impact on health, governance and security.” he said
“It is my delight to give a goodwill message on this day of the celebration of the international day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.Drug trafficking as defined by UNODC (United Nations Office on Drug and Crime) is an illegal trade that involves the production, selling, distributing and purchase of illicit narcotics.
“There are 200million illicit drug users worldwide and the number continues to grow every day. Around 190,000 people die due to illicit drugs every year. Drug Trafficking is a threat to human live, national development and security. Commonly trafficked drugs include Cocaine,Heroin, Morphine, Cannabis Sativa and Crystal Methamphetamine.
“Drug trafficking through the sea has been a security problem for all countries of the region because it involves the movement of large quantity drugs.
“Drugs are chemicals that affect the body and brain. Some effects of drugs include health consequences that are long lasting and permanent.
“They can continue after a person has stopped using drugs. Drugs can eventually change how the brain works and interfere with a person’s ability to make choices, leading to intense cravings and compulsive drug us,”he added
