The Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT) has exposed a disturbing method employed by drug traffickers to transport hard drugs into the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In a shocking revelation, NACAT disclosed that narcotics from neighboring states are being concealed within cows and smuggled into Abuja, allowing traffickers to evade authorities.
Apart from using cows as cover, drug dealers have resorted to other tactics, including hiding illicit substances within bags of common foodstuffs such as garri, rice, and beans. Stanley Ugagbe, the Operational Manager of NACAT, made this revelation during a road sensitization walk aimed at combatting drug abuse in an abattoir community situated in the Karu area of Abuja.
The awareness campaign, which commenced at the ECWA junction in Karu, was conducted in collaboration with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Participants walked through the abattoir area and concluded their journey on Abacha Road in Karu.
Ugagbe stated that this revelation followed an extensive investigation conducted by his organization in the community, which shares a border with Nasarawa State. This ‘notorious’ Abuja community has become a major hub for the sale of illicit drugs, including substances like crack, codeine, molly, tramadol, refnol, rochi, and Canadian loud, among others.
According to Ugagbe, drug traffickers primarily source these narcotics in bulk from locations such as Delta State, Benin City in Edo State, and Ibadan. He emphasized the dangers of these illicit substances and warned against their use, citing Section 11, Part II of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, which strictly prohibits the importation, manufacturing, production, processing, planting, or growing of drugs like cocaine, heroin, or any illegal narcotics without lawful authority.
During the road walk sensitization, participants carried banners and placards bearing messages like “Friends Don’t Let Friends Do Drugs,” “Spot the sign, break the chain,” “Your Potential is Limitless Without Drugs,” “Love Yourself: Break Free from Substance Abuse,” and “Say no to drug trafficking,” as they reached out to residents, urging them to avoid hard drugs.
Nduka Augustine, the NDLEA officer in charge of sensitization for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, praised NACAT for their efforts in raising awareness about the perils of drug use, trafficking, and peddling. He highlighted the importance of collaborative initiatives with organizations like NACAT in the ongoing battle against illicit drug usage, acknowledging that this is not a fight the government can undertake single-handedly. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, has underscored the significance of such collaborative efforts to sensitize all segments of society against the dangers posed by illicit drugs.
