The Delta State Ministry of Justice and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Delta State Command, have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse across the state.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, stated this during a working visit to the NDLEA Delta State Command, where both organisations discussed strategies to deepen cooperation and improve efforts at combating illicit drug activities.
Ohwovoriole said the visit was aimed at fostering stronger institutional collaboration and enhancing operational synergy between the Ministry of Justice and the anti-drug agency.
The Attorney-General identified the absence of a drug testing laboratory as one of the major challenges affecting prosecution of drug-related offences. He disclosed that the Ministry had established a Drug Unit to strengthen the prosecution of such cases.
According to him, the Ministry will work closely with the NDLEA in the testing and analysis of suspected narcotic substances, stressing that scientific confirmation of seized substances is essential before prosecution can commence.
”We have to work side by side with the NDLEA to test suspected drugs. We will engage your legal team and officers with the practical expertise required because prosecution cannot begin until it is established that the substance involved is indeed an illicit drug,” he said.
Ohwovoriole also expressed concern over the increasing use of hotels, brothels and other buildings as centres for drug trafficking and human trafficking, describing crime prevention as a continuous responsibility requiring sustained collaboration among relevant agencies.
He further identified inadequate manpower within the NDLEA as a major challenge, noting that deploying only two or three officers to cover an entire local government area or town is insufficient to effectively combat drug-related crimes.
On the agency’s request for additional operational vehicles, the Attorney-General assured the NDLEA that he would present the request to the appropriate authorities for consideration.
”We are ready to provide the necessary support required to enable you to succeed in this fight against drug abuse and trafficking in Delta State,” he assured.
Earlier, the Delta State Commander of the NDLEA, Halilu Hamidu, commended the Attorney-General for the visit, describing it as a demonstration of the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the state’s response to drug-related offences.
Hamidu explained that the engagement aligns with the NDLEA’s nationwide campaign to curb drug abuse, particularly among young people. He stressed that addressing drug abuse is a shared responsibility that requires the support of all stakeholders and not the agency alone.
The NDLEA commander also highlighted the progress recorded by the command, noting that sustained enforcement and public enlightenment campaigns have contributed to a reduction in drug-related cases in parts of the state.
Both parties also explored areas of further partnership, including drug testing, prosecution support and the provision of operational logistics for the agency.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by the Delta State Ministry of Justice and the NDLEA to strengthen their partnership in promoting a safer and drug-free Delta State.