12
May
May
NDLEA BREAKS 25-YEAR JINX WITH NEW FORENSIC LABS IN ABUJA, ENUGU
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CapitalTimesNews / 5 days
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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has established two new forensic laboratories in Abuja and Enugu, in addition to upgrading its existing laboratory in Lagos. This development comes after over 25 years of conducting forensic analysis in a single laboratory facility in Lagos. According to NDLEA Chairman, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa, the new laboratories will enhance the agency’s forensic analysis capabilities, increase its capacity to process cases efficiently, and strengthen its fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. “The newly constructed laboratories will enable us to enhance our forensic analysis capabilities, increase our capacity to process cases efficiently and strengthen our fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking,” Marwa said. The two new laboratories, built in Abuja and Enugu, are strategically located and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities designed to meet the highest standards of quality and safety protocols. The existing laboratory in Lagos has undergone comprehensive renovation and refurbishment, transforming it into a state-of-the-art facility. The project was made possible through the sponsorship of the US International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) and implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). Additionally, the US-INL has donated advanced equipment to the agency to enhance the operations of the NDLEA forensic lab in Lagos. NDLEA has also conducted training and certification for 20 forensic analysts in collaboration with the Institute of Public Analysts of Nigeria (IPAN). This training aims to empower them to sign off on drug analysis reports, thereby enhancing the agency’s forensic capabilities. Marwa commended the officers and staff of the Directorate of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring for their dedication to breaking the 25-year jinx. He attributed the milestone achieved in forensic analysis to his commitment to equipping the laboratories with state-of-the-art instruments and developing the expertise of agency personnel. “The newly constructed drug laboratories and renovated facilities mark a significant milestone in the agency’s history, and we are delighted about this achievement,” Marwa added. The Director of INL in Nigeria, Ms. Candace Spradley, commended the collaboration between NDLEA and INL, stating that the donated equipment will enhance the agency’s capacity to detect and analyze suspicious substances.