…says gum, kola nuts’ imports attract the death penalty in Saudi
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned intending pilgrims from Nigeria that smuggling of gum and tramadol as well as kola nut and bitter cola still attract the death penalty in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Ogun state NDLEA Commander, Alhaji Ishaku Yusuf, gave the warning at a seminar organised by the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (OGSMPWB) held at the Valley View Auditorium, Government House, Abeokuta.
Yusuf said illicit drugs trafficking attract the death penalty in Saudi Arabia and must be avoided by all means. The commander, who was represented by Muazu Aliyu Dan-Musa, also cautioned pilgrims against carrying other improvised hard drugs, including gum and tramadol as well as kola nut and bitter cola. He urged them to be extra vigilant at the airport and refrain from carrying any other person’s luggage as this may put them in the avoidable mess.
He said, “I wish to draw the attention of all intending pilgrims to the stiff penalty attached to drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia. Anyone caught, faces a death penalty. “As intending pilgrims, it is an offence for anybody to traffic or carries drugs such as marijuana, hashish, cocaine, heroin and other forms of illicit drugs from Nigeria to the Holy Land.” Also speaking, the Wakil of Remoland, Sheikh Musbau Salako, enjoined the intending pilgrims to be disciplined and respect the law.
He admonished them to be moderate in both hand and main luggage, saying their luggage should not be more than 40 kilogrammes. Salako urged the pilgrims to seek for God’s favour and mercy while in Mecca and Medina so as to complement Hajj rites, adding that they should fear God during the exercise.
At the seminar, the Executive Secretary of the board, Alhaji Abdulhakeem Kalejaye, disclosed that July 19 will be the take-off date for the first batch of the state’s pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. Kalejaye added that the board will start with the first batch of 315 passengers whose names will be posted at the notice board.
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