The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Katsina State has warned hotel owners in the state against allowing the use of illicit drugs on their premises.

The NDLEA Commander in the state, Hassan Sani-Abubakar, gave the warning during a meeting with hotel owners on Wednesday,

”Reports showed that hotels are increasingly becoming dens where drug offenders use to run their illicit businesses. Such a thing will never be allowed to escalate because the NDLEA in the state is ready to bring offenders at all cost to face the wrath of the law,” he said.

Also speaking, NDLEA Deputy State Commander, operations and training, Halilu Hamidu, said that hotel owners can play a major role in curbing the menace.

He noted that the meeting was a response to the directives of the agency’s Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa that all critical stakeholders should be warned before actions were taken.

Also, Head of the agency’s prosecution and legal services, ASC Kabir Nalule, cited constitutional powers vested in the NDLEA to access any premises, with or without a warrant if drug activities were suspected.

Participants at the meeting commended the NDLEA’s efforts and also expressed their readiness to work with the agency to tackle the scourge of drugs in society.

(NAN)