NDLEA arrests 1,021 suspects, convicts 117 in Delta, Edo…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Delta and Edo states, on Monday, confirmed the arrest of 1,021 suspects for drug-related offences in one year.

The agency’s commander in Delta State, Tunde John, while speaking at the command headquarters at Ogwashi Uku, in the Aniocha South Local Government Area of the state, said 558 suspects were arrested for drug-related offences in one year, adding that of the 558 suspects, the agency secured the conviction of 75.

He said, “The drug supply control and drug demand monitoring actions by the agency had led to the arrest of 558 suspects and the seizure of exhibits amounting to over three tons. This year alone, we have destroyed three major cannabis farmlands measured at about 25 points, 16 hectares.

“The command has also secured the conviction of 75 persons for drug-related offences between June 2022 and June 2023. On the drug demand aspect which entails counselling, treatment, rehabilitation, creating awareness, sensitising the populace about the inherent dangers drug abuse causes in society, we were able to counsel 376 persons comprising 312 males and 55 females.”

John added that within the period under review, cannabis farmlands measured at over 25 hectares were destroyed by the agency.

Similarly, the commander of the NDLEA in Edo State, Buba Wakawa, also confirmed the arrest of 463 suspects linked to drug trafficking in the state between June 2022 and May 2023.

Wakawa made the statement on Monday while speaking with journalists as part of activities to commemorate the United Nations Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking of drugs.

Wakawa, who was represented by the Deputy Commander, Emmanuel Ejiko, said the agency also secured the conviction of 42 drug traffickers in the state within the period under review, adding that 92 cases against drug traffickers had been pending in the Federal High Court.

Wakawa said the command had been waging the war against drug abuse through sensitisation and awareness that beam a searchlight on the dangers of substance use and trafficking.

He also identified the shortage of operational vehicles, poor office accommodation and the unwillingness of the people to give useful information to the agency for an effective war against drug abuse.

Wakawa assured that the agency would continue to wage war against drug abusers and traffickers until the state was rid of the menace.