REPORTER: UGONNA AGU
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Imo State Command, says it seized a total of 12,638.58 kilograms of various illicit drugs, including Cannabis Sativa, Cocaine, Heroin, Methamphetamine and Tramadol, within the last one year.
The State Commander, Mr. Alexander Nnyigide, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Owerri to mark this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Speaking on the theme, “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” Mr. Nnyigide said it reflects the evolving nature of the global drug problem and underscores the need for innovative and effective strategies to tackle the menace.
He noted that the theme acknowledges long-standing challenges, highlights emerging threats, promotes evidence-based solutions, strengthens international cooperation and encourages a balanced approach to drug control.
The Commander revealed that the Imo State Command secured the conviction of 48 suspects on various drug-related offences at the Federal High Court, Owerri, within the period under review.
“A total of four hundred and seventy-five (475) Drug suspects were arrested, comprising 96 Females and 379 Males between the ages of 18 to 63 years. A total of twenty three drug dependents were admitted for rehabilitation and fifteen were successfully rehabilitated in the last one year while eight are still undergoing rehabilitation, one hundred and eighty-nine arrested drug users underwent counselling sessions.”
Mr. Nnyigide stated that the Command carried out 33 drug education and public enlightenment programmes in churches, schools, communities and motor parks across the state as part of efforts to reduce drug abuse.
He also disclosed that, for the first time since the establishment of the Imo State Command, the agency successfully conducted a public destruction of seized illicit drugs as part of activities marking this year’s World Drug Day.
“The Command was able to destroy for the first time in the history of Imo State, 25,807.192kg of illicit substances and 2319 liters of Codeine cough syrup were publicly destroyed.”
The NDLEA State Commander stressed that the fight against drug trafficking cannot be won by the agency alone, calling for greater collaboration from Imo residents, stakeholders and community leaders.
