The Delta State Ministry of Justice and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, 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, made this known during a working visit to the Delta State Command of the NDLEA, where both organisations discussed strategies to improve cooperation in tackling drug-related crimes.
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.
He identified the absence of a drug testing laboratory as a major challenge affecting the prosecution of drug-related offences, revealing that the Ministry has established a Drug Unit to strengthen the prosecution of such cases.
The Attorney-General explained that the Ministry would work closely with the NDLEA in the testing and scientific analysis of suspected narcotic substances, noting that prosecution cannot begin until laboratory confirmation establishes that seized substances are illicit drugs.
He also expressed concern over the increasing use of hotels, brothels and other buildings for drug trafficking and human trafficking, stressing that crime prevention requires sustained collaboration among relevant agencies.
Ohwovoriole further noted that inadequate manpower remains a major challenge for the NDLEA, pointing out that deploying only a few officers to cover an entire local government area is insufficient to effectively combat drug-related crimes.
He said, “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.
Earlier, the Delta State Commander of the NDLEA, Halilu Hamidu, commended the Attorney-General for the visit, describing it as a clear demonstration of the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the state’s response to drug-related offences.
Hamidu said the engagement aligns with the NDLEA’s nationwide campaign against drug abuse, especially among young people, adding that the fight against illicit drugs requires the support of all stakeholders.
He also disclosed that sustained enforcement operations and public enlightenment campaigns have contributed to a reduction in drug-related cases in parts of Delta State.
