Bauchi narcotic agents descend on hemp smokers, distributors

Ishola Michael, Bauchi

For major distributors of Indian hemp in Bauchi State, the recent raid by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on their hideouts has left postrate, their once flourishing business while others who by stroke of luck, escaped the wrath of the narcotic agents had fled from the state.

]While parading two suspects arrested during the raid, the state Commandant of the agency, Sule Momodu said his agency has embarked on an aggressive war against Indian hemp smokers most especially during this chilling season which afforded them opportunity to smoke more.

He explained that the mission of the agency is to stop the distribution of the drug because according to him, “when there is no supply, there would be no demand.”
Momodu further said that two major distributors in the state have been arrested and since their arrest, the rate of consumption is declining gradually. He declared that with the breaking of this distribution channels, it has equally affected the consumption rate.

According to him, “one Turaki Misau who is said to be a major distributor of Indian hemp has been arrested”.

He, however, stated that at the time of his arrest, there was no exhibit found in his possession but his younger brother, Abbas Mohammed, was apprehended with 150 kg of Indian hemp.

He further stated that another person, one Victoria Kokobi from Delta State was arrested with the assistance of some people who reported her to the agency. He explained that at the point of her arrest, there were no substance found on her as she had handed over the product to her retailer who later reported the development to the agency.

Sule Momodu also observed that his agency is poised to dislodge all smoking joints in the state but noted that lack of operational vehicle is hindering its effectiveness and efficiency as the command has only one vehicle used to pursue offenders, a development he said has greatly hindered their operational efficiency.

He appealed to the state government to assist them by donating operational vehicle, logistic as well as other things that would enhance their efficiency in the discharge of their duties adding that with the assistance of the state government, coupled with their determination to rid the state from illicit drugs, the agency would triumph.