The Edo State Commander of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mitchell Ofoyeju, on Monday disclosed that drugs worth N770 million were confiscated by the Command in the last six months.
Ofoyeju made the disclosure while addressing a press conference ahead of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
He said 209 suspected drug traffickers, consisting 129 males and 80 females were apprehended during the period, noting that one of them is a female 300-level student of Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma.
The State Commander added that the student who hails from Uromi in the Esan North East local government area, claimed to have ventured into drug trafficking to offset the loan she collected from a microfinance bank.
Ofoyeju noted that if the suspects were successful in making such huge amounts from the sale of the illicit drugs, they would have money to carry out their nefarious activities.
He said, “Through our evidence-led operation, we were able to seize drugs worth N770 million and that means they would have money to continue with their nefarious activities.
“The 300-level student of Ambrose Alli University claimed to have ventured into the criminal act of drug trafficking to offset the loan she collected from a microfinance bank. She hails from Uromi in the Esan North East Local Government Area.
“Her arrest is a strong warning to drug barons that, notwithstanding the disguise, they will be smoked out,” Ofoyeju said.
He added that within the last six months, the command had seized 2,538.2498 kg of cannabis and destroyed 20.4330181 hectares of cannabis farms weighing 51,082.5453 kg, bringing the total quantity of cannabis seized to 53,441.3371 kg.
“Other drugs seized include cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, psychotropic substances, codeine-based syrup, Pentazocine Injection 2.700 ampoules and 19 foil plates of cookies laced with cannabis,” the commander revealed.
Ofoyeju also said the command has secured the conviction of 24 suspects – 20 male and four female – within the period under review, noting that the command currently has 110 pending cases at various stages of the judicial process.
This he noted, reflected the command’s relentless efforts to ensure that those who engage in drug offences face the full weight of the law.
He added that in line with the provision of the NDLEA enabling Act on making drug abuse treatment, counselling and rehabilitation accessible to persons with disorders, the Edo State command provided brief interventions to 194 clients comprising 135 males and 59 females while 19 males were rehabilitated.
He said Governor Monday Okpebholo is determined to fight drugs sale and abuse in the state, noting that the appointment of the Senior Special Assistant on Drug Policy and his people-centric programmes lends credence to his pragmatic leadership.
Ofoyeju declared that kidnapping and cultism were deeply entrenched in narcotic drugs, adding, “We are working harmoniously to make Edo State hostile and inclement for drug barons and their cohorts. These enemies of the state can run but cannot hide. We will catch them, seize their drugs, trace their illicit wealth for confiscation and prosecute them.”
He urged the public to collaborate with the agency in the fight by providing credible information on drug-related activities. “Together, we can make Edo State a safer and healthier environment for all.”
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