The Delta State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in collaboration with some critical stakeholders have raided and destroyed an “Indian hemp” farm in Oko-Anala, Oshimili South Local Government Area.
The operation, which lasted over three hours, was carried out by a Special Enforcement Team, comprising officers of the NDLEA, the Delta State Ministry of Health, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense, NSCDC, and members of Vigilante drafted from outside the community.
Reports indicate that Delta State is among six in the country where cannabis plantation, popularly called “Indian hemp”, was being cultivated in large quantities.
Mr Abdullahi Fakai, Assistant Commander, Narcotic, Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency in the State, who led the operation, said the magnitude of cannabis planted in farmlands in Delta was alarming.
Speaking on the size of the farm uncovered and the items discovered there, Mr Fakai stated that about 5km radius land was cultivated and listed items discovered to include a borehole used for irrigating the plants; water storage tanks; makeshift farmhouses; cooking utensils, and nursery farms of cannabis among others.
He disclosed that the Delta State Command of NDLEA had called for cooperation from communities in its fight against the illegal cultivation of Weeds and drug abuse.
Mr Fakai noted that the credible intelligence report gathered led to the operation, stressing that due to the dangerous nature of the exercise, the Command does not use civilians during surveillance and raids.
He explained that the raid became necessary to check the high rate of consumption and abuse of ‘Indian hemp’ which are inimical to the health of the consumers who coincidentally are the Youth to represent Nigeria in the future.
The Assistant Commander stated that collaborating with communities, was part of strategies used to sensitise people against the cultivation of cannabis, and solicited support from the members of the public.
Mr Abdullahi said Cannabis cultivation can only thrive in areas where communities supported and encouraged explaining that the Farmers’ Association could assist by providing useful intelligence that will help reduce the cultivation of Indian helms in the state.
The leader of the team from the Delta State Ministry of Health, Matthias Omohwo, said their mandate was to combat drug menace and abuse in the State.
He disclosed that the Committee has a mandate to cut the supply route of illicit drug availability in Delta State, hence the joint operation to destroy the cannabis farms in Oko Anala.
The team leader expressed appreciation for the support of all stakeholders in the fight against illicit drugs.
Meantime, the NDLEA has disclosed that over 800 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa popularly known as ‘Indian hemp” were seized during the last weekend’s Oko-Anala operations in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The Delta State Commander of NDLEA, Mr Denis Chidi made the disclosure at the Command’s state headquarters in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area.
The Delta State Commander of NDLEA, Mr Denis Chidi said the operation was part of the agency’s efforts to rid the State of illegal cultivation and consumption of Indian Hemp.
He stated that the Command was able to carry out and execute the operation successfully in Oko Anala as a result of reliable intelligence from the members of the public.
According to the Commander, they were unable to completely evacuate the seized Cannabis the same day.
He explained that when his men got there the next day to remove the leftover of the seized hard drugs, it was discovered that they had been carted away following which there was a frantic search for the Cannabis which resulted in the discovery of the big farm for the cultivation of the illicit drug.
Mr Chidi traced the high rate of insecurity in the land to drugs which induce those who take it to engage in all forms of social vices.
He explained that to curb insecurity, illicit and harmful drugs must be stopped.
The Commander pointed out many of those who engage in criminality often do so under the influence of drugs.
The Commander warned those who attack officers of NDLEA that they will face the full wrath of the law for obstructing the officers from carrying out their constitutional duties.
