Ndlea Links Farmers To Indian Hemp Cultivation

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The Katsina State Command of the NDLEA has expressed dismay over the involvement of some Fadama farmers in the trial cultivation of Indian hemp.

The state Commander, Alhaji Hamisu Lawan, told newsmen in Katsina that "drug peddling, especially of Indian hemp has taken a more worrisome dimension".

He said that the Fadama farmers involved in trial cultivation of Indian hemp were found in the southern part of the state.

Lawan said the agency had so far arrested four Fadama farmers for cultivating the substance in Dike village, Funtua Local Government area of the state.

He said that two of the farmers had been prosecuted, while the remaining two, Abdullahi Rabi'u and Murtala Yusuf, were being investigated.

Lawan also said the command had secured the conviction of 98 persons including a councillor of Kurfi Local Government in the 2006/2007 legal year.

He said 20 other persons were also awaiting arraignment before the Federal High Court in Katsina.

Lawan disclosed that large quantity of illicit drugs such as Indian hemp, ******* and other psychotropic substances were seized from the suspects during the period.

The unprecedented number of prosecutions in the state, he said, was in line with the resolve of the agency to rid the country of drug menace and other vices.

Lawan, who commended the people of the state for supporting the NDLEA, called for their continued co-operation in the fight against drug abuse.