Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (retd.) has
ordered investigation into the arrest of three Nigerian pilgrims in
Saudi Arabia in connection with substances suspected to be cocaine.
Abdallah who expressed disappointment over the unfortunate incident
constituted a panel of inquiry headed by the Director of Operations and
General Investigation, Mr. Olugbenga Mabo to immediately investigate the
incident adding that the Agency will address the situation with every
sense of seriousness and urgency. The Agency had also deployed more
investigators to all the screening camps nationwide. In a press release yesterday, August 26th, the NDLEA boss said,
"Narcotic smuggling is criminal and the
involvement of pilgrims is utterly reprehensible. This is unfortunate
and we are working very hard to get to the root of it. The Agency is
handling this case with every sense of seriousness and urgency because
this action has negatively affected the image of Nigeria. We have also
taken measures to intensify the on-going screening of pilgrims who are
yet to depart to Saudi Arabia to prevent a re-occurrence of the sad
incident".
Abdallah assured members of the public that the NDLEA will get to the
root of the incident. The terms of reference for the panel of inquiry
include to ascertain the circumstances behind the non-detection of the
pilgrims before takeoff, identification of possible sponsors and source
of drug supply as well as make recommendations on effective screening of
pilgrims.
Meanwhile, the NDLEA boss also called on pilgrims to uphold the
principle of probity, patriotism and eschew any act capable of bringing
the image of the country to disrepute. Abdallah vowed to take necessary
steps aimed at bringing any person or group of persons involved in the
criminal act to justice.
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