NDLEA uncovers six-hectare hemp farm in Ogun

The Ogun State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully destroyed a six-hectare farmland used for cultivating hemp in Alaka village, Ogun State. 

The state commandant, Mr. Tijani Rabe, revealed this during a press briefing in Abeokuta, the state capital, while presenting the agency’s 2024 scorecard.

He announced the arrest of four individuals linked to the illegal farming operation, adding that investigations are ongoing to bring the culprits to justice.

Mr. Rabe also highlighted other notable achievements in the fight against drug-related activities within the state. According to him, the command arrested 675 drug offenders and seized 9.7 tons of illicit drugs, along with 537.81 litres of liquid-based substances.

One of the significant milestones of the year was the success of “Operation Closed Gates,” which led to the seizure of 100 bags of hemp weighing 1.3 tons in November and the arrest of a suspect involved in the operation.

The NDLEA Ogun Command reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying efforts to dismantle drug networks and combat the illegal drug trade in the state.

“Operation Closed Gates was launched as part of our Yuletide initiative and has been a resounding success.

“It targeted drug merchants and syndicates, sealing all entry roads into the state,” he said.

He said the command intensified sensitisation and advocacy initiatives by conducting lectures and programmes in schools, communities, and workplaces to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse.

“In the year under review, the command conducted 128 sensitization programmes in institutions.

“Through these sensitization programmes, about 27,648 people were impacted,” he said.

Rabe further said the agency secured 221 convictions and sentences to various terms of imprisonment against drug offenders.

“Many cases are also at various stages of prosecution,” he said.

In 2022, the state police command uncovered a large expanse of land cultivated for the planting of Indian hemp and arrested seven suspects.