NDLEA investigates death of graduate in Cannabis raid

THE Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade, has directed the Director of Operations and General Investigation of the Agency, Mr. Olugbenga Mabo, to investigate the reported death of a 32- year-old law graduate, Dapo Olasore, during a raid by its operatives at Alapere area in Lagos on Sunday. The investigation report is expected to be submitted within 48 hours, spokesman of the NDLEA, Mitchel Ofoyeju said Monday. Giade said that the primary responsibility of the Agency is to protect lives and promote security by preventing illicit drug production, trafficking and abuse. “The reported death of a man during a raid by our operatives is sad and regrettable. One of the cardinal responsibilities of the Agency is the protection of lives and property. Drug offenders are to be arrested and prosecuted. I have, therefore, directed that this incident be investigated and the report submitted within 48 hours. My sympathy goes to the family and friends of the deceased as well as all Nigerians. Let me also assure members of the public that the life of every citizen is precious to the Agency and whoever is found guilty must be brought to justice” Giade said. The raid operation was conducted in response to intelligence report on the illicit activities of a suspected drug dealer identified as Saheed. One Babalola who works for him was, however, apprehended while some dried weeds that tested positive for cannabis were seized during the operation. The official vehicles used for the raid had plate numbers and there was no sporadic shooting into the air.