The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kaduna State Command, has reported the seizure of 13,623.204 kilograms of illicit substances and the arrest of 1,005 suspects throughout 2023.
Mr. Samaila Danmalam, the State Commander of the agency, disclosed these figures to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Kaduna while reviewing the agency’s activities for the previous year.
He said that the agency apprehended 1,005 suspects, comprising 965 males and 40 females, and seized illicit substances weighing 13,623.204 kilograms (equivalent to 13.6 tonnes).
The seized substances included cannabis sativa, cocaine, methamphetamine, tramadol, heroin, and various psychotropic substances.
The agency also dismantled 186 illicit drug joints during the same period.
Furthermore, Danmalam said that the command secured the conviction of 57 drug offenders, while 153 suspects faced charges in court, and 19 vehicles were forfeited.
The command also engaged in drug demand reduction activities, rehabilitating 42 drug-dependent individuals and counselling approximately 200 drug users. Additionally, it conducted 34 campaigns and programs, reaching 47,615 participants across the state, to create awareness about drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
Emphasising the broader societal impact of drug abuse, Danmalam urged the public to support the fight against the drug pandemic by rejecting drug abuse and illicit trafficking. He urged citizens to stay vigilant and provide timely information to the command on illicit drug activities.
Danmalam extended gratitude to the state government, royal fathers, sister agencies, NGOs, the media, and the citizens for their support to the command and called for sustained collaboration in the battle against drug abuse and trafficking.
(NAN)
