The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says the Federal Government is working to remove the option of fines for convicted drug traffickers, describing the provision as a loophole that weakens the fight against drug-related crimes.
NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this while highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s anti-drug laws and improve the prosecution of drug offenders.
Babafemi said the judiciary has remained a strong partner in the agency’s efforts, noting that the NDLEA records a conviction rate of nearly 90 per cent in drug-related cases.
He, however, identified the option of fines for convicted drug traffickers as a major challenge, arguing that it undermines deterrence and allows offenders to evade appropriate punishment.
According to him, removing the provision for fines would strengthen the country’s legal framework against drug trafficking and serve as a more effective deterrent to drug-related offences.
