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NDLEA Warns on the Danger of Medicinal Cannabis

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NDLEA Warns on the Danger of Medicinal Cannabis

..Insists All Forms of Cannabis Are Destructive, Remain Banned in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has alerted the general public about the circulation of dangerous illicit substances being falsely packaged and marketed to the public as medicinal cannabis.

A statement by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi on Wednesday said the public alert comes on the heels of credible intelligence, which led to the arrest of a 28-year-old drug kingpin Afeez Salisu (a.k.a Malu) last Saturday at his 2 Akala Street, off Umoru Street, Idi Oro, Mushin, Lagos State enclave from where he was packaging and distributing the fake medicinal cannabis in designer pouches and cups.

Babafemi disclosed that a total of 16.4 kilogrammes of dangerous and synthetic strains of cannabis including Colorado, Arizona, Canadian Loud and Ghana Loud packaged in designer pouches and cups labelled as medicinal cannabis, were recovered from his store.

​He said: “The Agency therefore wishes to warn Nigerians especially the youth that these so-called medicinal products are, in reality, adulterated and highly potent strains of dangerous psychoactive substances, and are not the regulated, safe pharmaceutical preparations they are purported to be.

​“Investigations by the agency have confirmed that the seized and recovered products being peddled under the guise of therapeutic cannabis contain dangerously high concentrations of illicit and harmful strains of cannabis, including Loud, known for its extreme potency and severe psychological effects; Arizona, a highly concentrated and destructive variant of cannabis; and Colorado, a potent, often synthetic, strain with devastating consequences on the user’s mental and physical health.”

​He added that: “Rather than the purported medicinal cannabis in the designer pouches and cups, the strains are highly addictive and pose a significant, immediate threat to public health and safety because they are associated with severe mental health issues, including psychosis, acute anxiety, paranoia, and other long-term cognitive impairments, especially among young people.”

​Speaking on the development, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) stated that “the criminal elements behind this deceit are only exploiting the global conversation around medicinal cannabis to push their illicit and life-destroying products into our communities. He reiterated that cannabis remains a prohibited substance in Nigeria and as such any product being sold locally under the guise of ‘medicinal cannabis’ is not only fake, and dangerous but also illegal.”

​The NDLEA boss urged the public to be vigilant and not be deceived by misleading labels, fancy packaging, or false health claims. He added that: “Please do not consume it, report any person or group involved in the illicit trade of these dangerous substances to the nearest NDLEA office.”

NDLEA Warns on the Danger of Medicinal Cannabis

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Terrorism: DSS Secures Another Death Sentence, As Katsina Court Convicts Female Courier Arrested With Large Arms Cache

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Terrorism: DSS Secures Another Death Sentence, As Katsina Court Convicts Female Courier Arrested With Large Arms Cache

By: Michael Mike

A Federal High Court in Katsina State has sentenced a female arms courier to death by hanging after the Department of State Services (DSS) successfully prosecuted her for conspiracy to commit, aid and abet terrorism. This is the second death sentence secured by the DSS in the month of June.

The convict, Hauwa’u Mukhtar, was arrested by the DSS on September 16, 2023, at Jibia Motor Park, Katsina State, while attempting to transport 438 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition to one Ado, a notorious bandit kingpin operating in Dunburum Forest, Zamfara State.

On 3rd June, a Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced four men arrested by the DSS to death by hanging for their roles in the June 5, 2022, terror attack on St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, which claimed over 40 lives.

Security sources revealed that, in Katsina, the DSS filed a two-count charge against Hauwa’u Mukhtar
before High Court No. 3, Katsina, presided over by Justice A. B. Bawale.

After evaluating the totality of evidence, witness testimonies, tendered exhibits, and final addresses of both prosecution and defence counsel, the court held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, finding Mukhtar guilty on both counts.

The judge subsequently sentenced the convict to death by hanging in accordance with the provisions of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State, 2021.

“The successful prosecution is a significant milestone for the DSS, demonstrating its capacity to not only intercept criminal actors but to follow through with decisive legal action that results in landmark convictions.’, stated the source.

It could be recalled that, about a month ago, a Federal High Court in Abuja convicted and sentenced one Halima Haliru Umar to 20 years imprisonment for unlawful possession of 302 rounds of AK-47 live ammunition and attempting to provide support for acts of terrorism marking the second conviction of a female arms courier secured by the DSS this year.

Terrorism: DSS Secures Another Death Sentence, As Katsina Court Convicts Female Courier Arrested With Large Arms Cache

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Troops Repel Terrorists in Yobe, Recover Communication Equipment and Bicycles

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Troops Repel Terrorists in Yobe, Recover Communication Equipment and Bicycles

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops and local vigilante members have repelled an attack by suspected terrorists in Kanama, Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State, following intelligence reports on insurgent movements in the area.

Security sources said the operation was conducted in the early hours of June 15 after troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kanama, supported by vigilante personnel, acted on credible intelligence indicating the presence of suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists within the community.

The joint patrol team reportedly made contact with the insurgents at about 3:15 a.m., leading to an exchange of gunfire.

According to the sources, the terrorists were forced to retreat towards the Sambisa axis after coming under pressure from the security forces.

Items recovered from the scene included nine bicycles, one Baofeng radio set, a mobile phone, three pairs of slippers and three locally made water bottles believed to have been abandoned by the fleeing insurgents.

One member of the vigilante group sustained a gunshot wound during the encounter and was evacuated to a medical facility for treatment.

The recovered items have been taken into custody for further exploitation and investigation.

Military authorities said troops remain on heightened alert and are continuing operations aimed at denying terrorist groups freedom of movement across the North-East region.

Troops Repel Terrorists in Yobe, Recover Communication Equipment and Bicycles

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Troops of Operation Enduring Peace Arrest Two Suspected Drug Peddlers in Plateau

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Troops of Operation Enduring Peace Arrest Two Suspected Drug Peddlers in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested two suspected drug peddlers during a stop-and-search operation at Sabon Gari checkpoint in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Security sources said the suspects, identified as Mr. Jerry Joshua, 45, and Mr. Williams Nwaso, 54, were intercepted at about 6:00 a.m. on June 15 at the checkpoint.

The troops, who were conducting routine security checks, reportedly discovered a large quantity of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa in their possession.

The suspects and the recovered exhibits have been taken into custody for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Security authorities said the arrest is part of ongoing efforts by Operation Enduring Peace to curb drug trafficking and other criminal activities within Plateau State.

Investigations are ongoing.

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace Arrest Two Suspected Drug Peddlers in Plateau

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