The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has revealed that the Federal Government is working to abolish the option of fines for convicted drug traffickers, describing the provision as a major loophole that undermines efforts to combat drug-related offences.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi said the agency enjoys strong support from the judiciary, noting that it records a conviction rate of nearly 90 per cent in drug-related cases.
Despite this success, Babafemi identified the option of fines as a significant challenge, arguing that it allows convicted traffickers to escape lengthy prison terms and potentially return to the illicit drug trade.
“There is one major concern, and that is the issue of the option of fine. We are grateful that the Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, is addressing it.
“I believe an executive bill will soon be transmitted to the National Assembly to amend the law and remove the option of fine.
“At the moment, judges can impose fines, and convicted traffickers simply pay amounts ranging from N5 million to N20 million. Once the amendment is passed, there will be mandatory prison terms, likely ranging from 15 to 25 years. That way, anyone involved in drug trafficking will know that arrest means imprisonment and the loss of everything,” he said.
According to Babafemi, the proposed amendment would replace the fine option with mandatory jail terms of between 15 and 25 years for convicted drug traffickers, ensuring offenders serve prison sentences instead of paying fines.
He described the global drug trade as a “hydra-headed monster” but said the NDLEA has continued to make significant progress through sustained enforcement operations across the country.
Babafemi said the agency’s intensified crackdown has reduced the availability of illicit drugs, resulting in shortages and a sharp increase in street prices.
According to him, even drug users have acknowledged the impact of the agency’s operations.
“If you follow conversations online, you will see young people complaining, saying, ‘Why are you always seizing these drugs? Because of your operations, a gram of cannabis that used to sell for N5,000 now costs N35,000,’” he said.
He further disclosed that recent investigations have uncovered billions of naira in the bank accounts of suspected drug traffickers. The funds, he said, have been frozen while the agency pursues legal processes to forfeit them to the Federal Government.
Babafemi added that Nigeria has become an increasingly difficult environment for drug traffickers, forcing many to relocate to other countries to evade arrest.
He, however, assured that the NDLEA continues to monitor their activities through collaboration with international law enforcement agencies, with the goal of tracking them down and bringing them to justice.
