NDLEA to Impose Stiff Penalties on Landlords Who Accommodate Drug Dealers

Mustapha Umar, the Commander of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA Plateau State Command, believes that drug dealers and abusers will have no place to hide.

The NDLEA Boss also stated that any individual or accomplice of drug syndicates or drug Barons will be seized and face the full wrath of the law, according to a statement signed by Na’ankwalem Dennis Miba’am, Information Officer II, Jos North Local Government Council.

Umar made the remarks at the Council Hall in Jos during an enlarged stakeholders engagement meeting organized by Jos North Local Government Council in partnership with the NDLEA to reduce crime and build a better future for Nigerians.

According to the state commander, the issue of drug and substance abuse among young Nigerians is a matter of considerable concern to the government at all levels because of the catastrophic consequences it has for the country’s future.

Drug usage, according to the state commander, is the “enemy and the stringer,” driving people to commit crimes such as banditry, kidnapping, rape, gender-based violence, indiscriminate killings, and the destruction of public assets.

He bemoaned the country’s rising drug misuse rate, despite the government’s concerted efforts to reverse the negative trend.

Umar took advantage of the occasion to enlist the help of traditional, community, and religious leaders, as well as youth organizations, pressure groups, and people, to make Jos a drug-free society.

He warned that any house owner or agent who rents out his or her property without first consulting the client to determine his or her nature of business will be prosecuted by the NDLEA.

According to the Plateau State NDLEA commander, if the individual or persons staying in that accommodation are drug dealers, the house will be confiscated, seized, and handed over to the Federal Government in accordance with the established Drugs Law Enforcement Act.

Shehu Bala Usman, the Executive Chairman of Jos North Local Government Council, appreciated the contribution of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency in reducing drug and other substance consumption.

He expressed his administration’s willingness to work with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency to make Jos North a drug-free local government, as well as involve the youth and help them become better Nigerians.

Stakeholders who spoke at the meeting praised the government at all levels for the initiatives made thus far and pledged their unwavering support for the Council and the agency in their efforts to make Jos North, Plateau, and Nigeria a better place for all.

Stakeholders appealed for the confidentiality of anyone willing to provide information on drug dealers and consumption.

The presentation of an Emblem to Hon. Shehu Bala Usman as an Ambassador of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency was the highlight of the event.