Police have vowed to continue arresting all suspected narcotics dealers despite court having annulled Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act 2015 last week.
The Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act 2015, was nullified by the Constitutional Court for lack of quorum on the part of Parliament, during its enactment in 2012, contrary to Articles 88 and 89 of the Constitution and Rule 23 of the Rules of Procedure of the 9th Parliament, 2012.
There have been jubilations ever since court annulled the Act. However, Senior Commissioner of police, Fred Enanga, has said the mixed reactions to court’s decision is catered for in the old law of the National Drug Authority –NDA.
“Fortunately, the old law of the NDA was not affected by the ruling and is still in force. Therefore, the police, DPP and Judiciary, will continue to afford their old powers, to tackle narcotics related offences in the Act. The drugs under the NDA are illegal, because they are harmful and affects both physical and mental health, relationships, career prospects, crime and the wider society,” Enanga said.
GEEPAS 0707080087: Police last year, recorded a total of 2,797 cases of Narcotics/Drugs country wide, compared to 1,668 cases reported in 2021, thus giving a 67.7% increase in the crime category. Police arrested a total of 4,818 suspects and charged to court, including 137 juveniles. Police said cannabis has consistently been the most used drug, followed by cocaine.
Enanga reminded the public that part IV of the NDA Act provides for the restrictions of Narcotics, Section 47, prohibits the possession of narcotics, without lawful excuse; Section 48, prohibits the smoking of opium or Indian hemp, use of premises by persons smoking opium or Indian hemp etcetera and Section 49 prohibits without consent of the Minister, cultivation of plants yielding narcotics.
“As the UPF, we still maintain a zero-tolerance approach to the consumption of substances prohibited under the NDA. All our territorial commanders have been instructed to maintain or step-up enforcement action against offenders and enhance deterrence efforts to help stop narcotic drugs consumption in the country and crimes driven by it,” Enanga said.