– Functions of NDLEA in Nigeria –
You have been hearing of NDLEA, what does it mean? The Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is a federal law enforcement agency in Nigeria. This article will enlighten you about the Functions of NDLEA in Nigeria and Roles, read through carefully.
National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency is a federal government agency popularly known by NDLEA. It was established in 1989 (30 years ago).
This agency has involvement in drugs, especially their importation, exportation, sale, transfer, purchase, cultivation, manufacture, extraction, and possession is universally unacceptable.
The headquarters of this agency is in Lagos, Nigeria. Visit the official NDLEA Portal www.ndlea.gov.ng to know about the agency, vision, mission, history, annual reports, drug laws, news, and events.
The Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency was established to perform specific functions in order to combat drug trafficking and drug smuggling, as well as, the use of drugs within Nigeria.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, Is currently the sole organization approved by the Federal government of Nigeria to carry out due enforcement on all drug-related matters.
What is NDLEA?
The acronym NDLEA stands for The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. It is a Federal agency in Nigeria responsible for the elimination of the production, processing, selling, exporting, and smuggling of hard drugs.
Over the years, the Nigerian government has tried to address the growing availability of illicit drugs and their use.
The agency was, therefore, another effort of the government, established by the promulgation of Decree Number 48 of 1989, now Act of Parliament.
What You Need to Know About the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency
Agency Overview
1. Formed: January 1, 1990
2. Annual Budget: NGN325m (FY2017)
3. Employees: 7,600 (2014)
4. Legal Personality: Government: Government Agency
Jurisdictional Structure
i. Federal Agency: Nigeria
ii. General nature: Federal Law Enforcement
Operational Structure
1. Headquarters: NHQ, 4 Shaw Road, Ikoyi-Lagos
2. Agent Executives: Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (Chairman/Chief executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement) (2015)
3. Parent Agency: Federal Ministry of Justice
Vision and Mission of the NDLEA
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency aims to become the foremost and leading Drug Law Enforcement Agency on the Continent and equally in the world.
It tries to achieve this through the prohibition of the supply of illicit drugs and control of its demand. Through this, the agency hopes to help create and maintain a good image of Nigeria all over the world.
The agency puts to use all its means and resources for the total elimination of illegal drugs. It does this through investigation of all drug-related cases and recovery of proceeds gained from drug trades.
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Functions and Roles of the NDLEA
The NDLEA has over 7600 staff operating at different levels to help carry out its functions.
Agents investigate and prosecute all crimes related to drug trafficking. They also partner with international drug agencies and units to enforce drug laws.
Over time, the agency has recorded some obstacles to its functions. These include the problem of unguarded zones on the borders which makes it easy for drug dealers and barons to trade contrabands.
Another is the corruption and injustice where criminals are able to go free, escaping the hands of the law.
The functions and roles of the NDLEA are listed below:
1. Investigation of drug-related crimes
The primary task of the NDLEA is to regularly find measures and means of finding out drug-related crimes which are the cultivation, trading and use of narcotic drugs and substances.
2. Enforcing drug laws
There are several units outside the NDLEA with the responsibility of enforcing rules and regulations regarding drugs in the Nigerian constitution. The job of the NDLEA is to partner with these other agencies to enact drug laws.
3. Destroying narcotic plants and substances
The agency many times has to start with the root problem, the cultivation of hard drugs. The agency has the power to destroy narcotic plants and trees. By doing this, the agency will succeed at stifling the demands for these substances.
4. Partnering with international agencies to fight drug trafficking
Though a federal agency, the agency has international obligations. Its role is to oversee all drug-related affairs both within and outside Nigeria and enforce international drug laws.
5. Leading in efforts related to drug-related researches
The agency serves as a technical and scientific unit in studies and experiments related to the use of narcotic substances. Since new substances are being adapted to form illegal substances, the NDLEA has a leading role to play in gathering these activities.
6. Tracing proceeds from illegal drug trades
The NDLEA finds out drug barons and dealers. Tracking illicit financial flows and seizing such proceeds
7. Prosecution of criminals
The NDLEA brings criminals and suspected individuals to justice.
8. Educating the public
The NDLEA educates the public on the narcotic substances; dangers and abuse. They patrol public places such as seaports, airports, and borders to prevent the importation and exportation of hard drugs.
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9. Working Beyond Borders to Stifle Drug Activities
The Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s jurisdiction is usually within Nigeria. However, they do have some international obligations. They are responsible for pursuing and coordinating Nigerian drug investigations both domestically and abroad.
They are to work with international drug units in several matters of enforcing drug laws and suppressing international activities of illicit traffic.
10. Identify and Investigate Suspects of illegal drug use and Participation
Anyone being suspected of being involved in drug-related offences are to be identified and investigated under the purview of the drug act.
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