Legal Interrogation of Perceptions on Impact of Drug Trafficking in Nigeria

This article entitled “Legal Interrogation of Perceptions on Impact of Drug Trafficking in Nigeria” scholarly explored into the growing trend in illicit drug trade and its connection with money laundering in Nigeria. The study interrogated perceptions regarding the efficacy of legal and institutional framework engendered to combat the menace as well probing the causes and impact of this interminable monster. The paper adopted doctrinal method where it relied on primary and secondary sources of data. Necessitated by the dire need of interrogating perceptions of people regarding the perplexing dynamics of phenomenon of drug trafficking and its ties with money laundering activity, the study was complimented with empirical methodology which deployed descriptive statistics wherein simple frequencies and percentages was used in interpreting the trends based on data elicited from 389 questionnaires administered. The study found inter-alia, that there are regulatory and enforcement gaps, weak financial vigilance in tracking the undesirable synthesis between illicit drug enterprise and money laundering. It found finally that there is inadequate international cooperation in the collective resolve to combat the heinous monster of drug trafficking in Nigeria. The study recommended inter-alia, the need to strengthen applicable legal and policy framework through conscious reforms, enhancing law enforcement capacity, promoting financial vigilance and rejig robust international cooperation in the quest to tame the interminable surge in drug trafficking in Nigeria.