Feb.07, 2010, 11:27PM
The National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said in Seme, Lagos State, that it arrested 75 suspects, including 10 women, for drug trafficking and money laundering in 2009.
The agency’s Area Commander, Nicholas Ajaduruonye stated on Saturday that of the 75 suspects, 25 are being prosecuted.
He said 16 of the suspects were convicted of the various offences, adding that 36 persons were also counselled.
``In 2009, 25 of the cases were charged to court with 16 convictions. So far, nine cases are pending in court,’’ Mr. Ajaduruonye said.
The commander disclosed that about 707.14 kg of hard drugs including cocaine were also seized during the period.
``The drug seized is 707. 144kg -- cocaine (138.7kg), heroine (4.1kg) and cannabis (412. 94kg). We also seized pharmaceuticals of about 293.9kg,’’ he said.
Mr. Ajaduruonye added that the command also seized local and foreign currencies including fake dollars, Euros, traveler’s cheques, CFA and cheque leaves.
``The currencies are as follow -- 14,300 fake dollars, 113,900 Euros in traveller’s cheques and 261,500 Euros, N4, 694, 000, 1,700 CFA, $21, 050 and 88 cheque leaves,’’ he said.