NIGERIA, DRUG OFFENCES AND THE WAY FORWARD

Abstract

Drug trafficking and unlawful dealings on prohibited drugs undermine development by eroding social and human capital available for a country. Although drug offences are not usually violent in nature, hundreds of persons are executed yearly in an effort to curb the menace of drug trafficking and attendant consequences. The question is to what extent does imposition of death penalty and other hard sanction on offenders achieve the anticipated reduction in the use and illicit trafficking in hard drugs? What are the best possible ways of handling or tackling illicit dealings in hard drugs to achieve the anticipated reduction in trafficking and use of hard drugs? The authors adopted doctrinal research method while the approach was analytical. Materials used include both primary and secondary research materials such as statute, case laws, text books and online materials from reputed authors. The authors found that imposition of harsh punishment in drug related offences has not resulted in reduction of use or trafficking in hard drugs. The authors suggested among other things that positive approach such as creation of jobs and employment will serve as panacea in relation to drug dependent persons.