NDLEA To Deploy Officers To Motor Parks To Conduct Drug Test On Drivers
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) will deploy its officers to motor parks to conduct drug test on drivers.
The personnel will also monitor trucks and passenger vehicles to stop the trafficking of illicit drugs across Nigeria.
This was agreed between the NDLEA and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NATO) when its President, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) in Abuja.
They agreed that the measures would enhance offensive against illicit drug trafficking and consumption in the country.
The NARTO President appreciated Marwa’s courage, vision, and patriotism in leading the Agency, and said they were ready as key stakeholder in the road transport sector to align with the mission.
“NARTO is acutely aware of the burden we carry. Our trucks and passenger vehicles traverse every region of the country, serving as the arteries of commerce and connectivity.
“However, we also recognize that these same routes are occasionally exploited by criminal elements to traffic illicit substances. We at NARTO are committed to reversing that narrative.
“We believe that collaboration between our association and the NDLEA is both necessary and urgent, and we are ready to play our part,” he assured.
To achieve the success of the collaboration, Othman proposed sensitization and training of NARTO drivers and transport operators on identifying and reporting suspicious cargo or behavior.
He said they should also have joint intelligence-sharing mechanisms to monitor drug trafficking routes and tactics.
Yusuf said NARTO will welcome the deployment of NDLEA liaison officers at major NARTO parks and depots across the federation.
He said NDLEA should organise public awareness campaigns, using NARTO national footprint to educate drivers and passengers on the dangers of drug trafficking and abuse.
