From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
A cannabis sativa farmer, Clement Akor, has appealed to the officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) to take his life instead of destroying his 10-hectare cannabis plantation.
The 42-year- old father of six from Enabo village in Ankpa Local Government area of Kogi State was arrested by the Kogi State Command of NDLEA alongside his accomplice David Ameh.
Akor who claimed he had invested so much in the business and cannot afford to lose it to the arms of the law said he learnt the trade in Owo, Ondo State.
The suspect who cried profusely to stop men of the NDLEA led by it Commander Alfred Adewumi from destroying his farm which is located about 10 kilometres from Ejule in Ofu Local Government area of Kogi State said he would rather prefer to die than to watch the officers destroy his last hope.
He noted that he was aware of the law banning the sale of cannabis sativa insisting that it is a risky business but has to take the risk to survive.
“Indian hemp business is luck. In this farm, I can get many bags here. I do sell one bag for N20,000 depending on the area of marketing. I spent N12,000 for labour in cultivating this farm. It is better you people kill me than destroying this farm land,” the suspect insisted.
Addressing Journalists shortly after the destruction of the large cannabis farm, the Kogi State Commander, NDLEA, Mr Alfred Adewumi, lamented the increasing wave of illicit use and cultivation of cannabis sativa in the state.
The commander noted that the latest breakthrough in the fight against illicit use of drug in Kogi State is coming three days after the command arrested the duo of Enduarance Samson and Abah Sunday for allegedly being in possession of 36.2 kilogrammes wrap of cannabis sativa.
Adewumi stated that the two suspects were arrested through intelligent gathering by officers of his command adding that they would soon be charged to court as soon as investigation into the case is completed.
