By Habibat Aliu
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Ekiti Command has destroyed five hectares of Indian hemp plantation at Ire-Ekiti in Oye Local Government Area.
The Deputy State Commander, of NDLEA, Mohammed Ibrahim, who disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital said the discovery was a result of intelligence gathered by the agency’s operatives.
The commander said that eight suspects had been arrested in connection with the plantation and about 1,465 kgs of the illicit substances were recovered during the operation.
He said:” Following a tip-off from credible intelligence sources we have discovered 5 hectares of land where cannabis is being cultivated in Ire-Ekiti in Oye Council Area of Ekiti and we mobilised our men to the area for immediate action.
“In the course of the intelligence-driven operation, 1,465 kilograms of cannabis sativa popularity known as Indian hemp were recovered while 8 suspects were arrested.
“The exhibits have been evacuated to the Command headquarters in Ado Ekiti and investigation is currently ongoing and whoever is found culpable will definitely be prosecuted”, he said.
The NDLEA boss called on traditional rulers and community leaders not to give up their farmlands for the cultivation of Indian hemp and illicit substances.
