1,000 Arrested Over Drug Offences In Kano

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Kano State Command, has arrested 1,016 suspects including 40 females for drug-related crimes.

The agency’s state commander, Abubakar Idris Ahmad, said the command has also successfully recovered 9,128.572kg (9 tons) of narcotics drugs and psychotropic substances through tactical offensives on drug peddlers and interdictions of their consignments, to prevent the harmful substances from reaching into communities.

In a statement signed by the spokesperson of the command, Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari, the commander said seizures included 6,097.879kg of cannabis sativa, 1,695.774kg of psychotropic substances and 1334.919kg of other illicit substances including cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine.

He said the achievement underscores the relentless commitment of the NDLEA Kano Command in creating a drug-free Kano State, noting that, the command’s efforts have also resulted in securing 102 convictions, with 104 pending cases before the Federal High Court, where one woman was sentenced to five years and a man to 10 years in prison for different drug offences.

“It is also worthwhile noting that the command secured forfeiture of five vehicles used for transporting these illicit substances.

“These convictions serve as a stern warning to potential offenders and reinforce the commitment of the command to uphold justice and accountability.

“In addition to enforcement actions, the command has prioritized the rehabilitation and support of individuals struggling with addiction. Through targeted programs and initiatives, a total of 70 clients have successfully undergone rehabilitation, equipping them with the necessary tools to reclaim their lives from the clutches of drug dependency,” he said.

He said as part of our efforts to restore hope for families and victims of drugs, 1,459 persons referred by investigation and other stakeholders were counselled by the Drug Demand Reduction professionals of the Command, adding that through their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy as a crucial component of NDLEA’s efforts to combat drug abuse and its negative consequences, the command  has successfully sensitized over 5,000 individuals through various awareness programmes, workshops, and community engagement activities.

“Two hundred and forty-five substance abuse tests were conducted on persons, 123 referred by Emirate Councils in Kano, while 122 came from agencies and persons. Three persons from the Emirate Councils and six from other referrals respectively tested positive for different drugs of abuse. Recognizing the significant influence traditional rulers hold, it is essential that those assuming these positions are free from the influence of drugs to maintain public safety and uphold the values of society.

“As part of the mandate of the Agency to redeem the image of the country around the world, five hundred and ninety-eight (598) visa clearance applications submitted by Kano State government, individuals, students and institutions were investigated by the command, in a bid to protect the image of the nation.

“Within the period under review, over 15 tonnes of assorted narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances from decided cases and other seizures were publicly destroyed by the Command, on an occasion witnessed and participated by well-meaning persons across all spheres of society,” he said.