The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in Ebonyi State has seized 115.226 kilograms of illicit drugs and arrested 149 suspects during the third quarter of 2024.
The state commander, Peter Ogar, disclosed that the arrests, made between July and September, included 112 men and 37 women aged 26 to 72, involving both drug dealers and traffickers.
Among the seized substances were cocaine 0.0023kg, Cannabis Sativa, 55.492kg, codeine syrup, 0.393kg, tramadol tablets, 0.004kg, tramadol capsule, 0.437kg, diazepam 917 tablets, 0.964 and 47 amps, 0.226kg. Ogar added that the agency counseled 82 suspects and intensified sensitization campaigns, targeting local communities and schools to combat drug abuse. He reaffirmed the NDLEA’s commitment to eradicating drug trafficking across the state and Nigeria.
In addition to enforcement actions, the NDLEA has been proactive in community engagement, conducting sensitization campaigns aimed at educating citizens about the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking. These initiatives targeted various groups, including youth organizations and community leaders, as well as primary and secondary schools across different local government areas in Ebonyi State.
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Mr. Ogar emphasized the importance of these outreach efforts, stating: “We carried out a series of sensitization in primary and secondary schools in some local government areas of the state.” He noted that fostering awareness is crucial for preventing drug abuse among the younger population.
During this reporting period, only one individual was convicted for drug-related offenses, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in prosecuting drug cases effectively. The NDLEA remains committed to intensifying its efforts against illicit drug trafficking not only within Ebonyi State but across Nigeria as a whole.
Mr. Ogar expressed gratitude for the collaborative relationship between NDLEA and other security agencies, which he believes is vital for enhancing operational effectiveness against drug-related crimes.
The recent operations by the NDLEA in Ebonyi reflect a concerted effort to tackle the growing menace of drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria. As authorities continue to seize large quantities of drugs and arrest suspects involved in this illicit trade, community education and collaboration with other security agencies will play a crucial role in curbing this pressing issue facing society today.
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