On Monday, the Delta and Edo states’ National Drug Law Enforcement Agency revealed that in the previous year, 1,021 people had been arrested for drug-related offenses.
In a speech at the command center in Ogwashi Uku, in the state’s Aniocha South Local Government Area, the agency’s commander in Delta State, Tunde John, said 75 of the 558 suspects who had been arrested for drug-related offenses had been found guilty.
He declared, “The agency’s efforts to monitor drug demand and limit the supply of drugs had resulted in the arrest of 558 suspects and the seizure of exhibits weighing more than three tons. We have demolished three significant cannabis farms totaling roughly 25 points, or 16 hectares, only this year.
“The command also succeeded in getting 75 people convicted of drug-related crimes between June 2022 and June 2023. We were able to provide counseling to 376 people, 312 men and 55 women, on the drug demand issue, which comprises counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, raising public awareness, and sensitizing the public about the inherent hazards drug usage brings in society.
John stated that the agency has destroyed roughly 25 hectares of cannabis farms during the time period under consideration.
In a similar vein, Buba Wakawa, the commander of the NDLEA in Edo State, stated the 463 individuals who were detained between June 2022 and May 2023 were connected to drug trafficking in the state.
In an interview with journalists on Monday as part of celebrations for the United Nations Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, Wakawa made the remark.
In addition, 42 drug traffickers were found guilty in the state during the time period under consideration, according to Wakawa, who was represented by Deputy Commander Emmanuel Ejiko. He also noted that 92 drug trafficking cases were still ongoing at the Federal High Court.
He said, “I can tell you that between June 2022 and May 2023, the NDLEA detained 463 people who were allegedly involved in drug trafficking in Edo State.
“The command also razed 40 cannabis fields totaling 67.5 hectares and seized 38,337.2889 kg throughout Edo State. 18 vehicles used for illegal drug trafficking were recovered, and 362 drug addicts were treated and reintegrated back into their families.
According to Wakawa, the command has been fighting drug misuse through raising awareness of the risks associated with substance use and trafficking.
Insufficient office space, a lack of operable cars, and a lack of willingness on the part of the public to provide the agency with relevant information are among issues he mentioned.
Wakawa promised that the organization would keep fighting drug users and traffickers until the state was free of the threat.
