Drug Abuse: Kano Task Force Arrests 380 Suspects

To combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking, the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has arrested over 380 suspects and recovered assorted illicit substances during its operations.

The substances recovered, the task force said, include cannabis sativa, Exol-5, diazepam, pentazocine injection, a designer drug containing methamphetamine, tramadol, ‘suck and die’, rubber solution 9local name) and pregabalin capsules.

The task force chairman, Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, disclosed this when he briefed the media on the agency’s activities yesterday. Rimingado also revealed that the task force had secured over 230 convictions of the number of suspects arrested.

“Since its inauguration on the 22nd July, 2026, the task force has intensified operations across the state to ensure that its mandate of achieving a drug-free Kano is realised. “Within this period, the committee carried out several joint dislodgment operations to dismantle drug joints where miscreants gather, take illicit substances, before engaging in mindless thuggery (daba), phone snatching and other social vices.

“The joints dislodged include Race Course, Filin Idi, Filin Mahaha, Tashar Rami, Kawo Area, Tashar Rimi, among many other black spots across the metropolis and beyond.This was not just a dislodgment exercise. These weapons, the Chairman said, included knives, cutlasses, daggers, clubs and other offensive items, which were seized from the miscreants at various joints and criminal hideouts, adding that their recovery had significantly reduced the capacity of the criminals to inflict harm on innocent people.

“Of particular concern is the seizure of about 870,000 capsules of Pregabalin from one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in the state, which were suspected to have been diverted for illicit use. This contravenes both the Federal and Kano State Policies on pharmaceutical warehouse operations, given where the substance was found. On this note, I must express deep concern about evidence that controlled drugs are being diverted from legitimate supply chains and sold illicitly to young people in our communities. “The Task Force therefore calls on pharmaceutical companies, pharmacy managers, superintendent pharmacists and all staff to cooperate fully with inspections and inquiries, to review and strengthen their internal controls, and to adopt transparent supply-chain practices.No one will be spared if found culpable,” he warned.