The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it seized 1,257.213 kilogrammes (1.26 tons) of assorted illicit substances in Enugu between June 2024 and June 2025.

Abel Wadahi, commander of NDLEA in Enugu, disclosed this on Thursday during the 2025 United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The event, with the theme ‘The Evidence Is Clear, Invest In Prevention: Break the Cycle #StopOrganisedCrime,’ was organised with the Enugu State government’s support.

The day is observed yearly to fight drug abuse and illegal drug trade.

It is marked every June 26 to raise global awareness on drug-related issues.

Mr Wadahi said seizures included 977.711kg of cannabis sativa, 6.462kg of Methamphetamine, 70.182kg of Tramadol and 0.734kg of Cocaine, among others.

He said 446 drug traffickers were arrested, comprising 399 males and 47 females, with 62 convicted, including two females.

Mr Wadahi added that 78 cases involving 66 males and 12 females are still pending in court.

He said 120 drug-related cases had been filed at the Federal High Court, Enugu, now at various trial stages.

Six vehicles and two motorcycles were also seized and placed under interim forfeiture orders.

“These figures reflect more than statistics; they signify a disruption of drug chains and restoration of hope for affected Nigerian families,” Mr Wadahi said.

He noted that 452 individuals were successfully counselled, treated and rehabilitated at the command’s facility.

He said 152 sensitisation programmes targeted youths in schools, parks, worship centres, workplaces and communities.

“We reached 81,415 people—40,803 males and 40,612 females,” he added.

Mr Wadahi said the Drug Integrity Test initiative aims to promote a lasting anti-drug culture nationwide.

Delivering a keynote, Gov. Peter Mbah stressed tackling poverty and trauma to prevent substance abuse.

Mr Mbah, represented by commissioner Emeka Ajogwu, also emphasised youth empowerment and addressing stigma against drug users.

The Enugu State Traditional Rulers’ Council chairman, Samuel Asadu, said narcotics fuel crime, corruption and terrorism worldwide.

Mr Asadu, represented by traditional ruler Vincent Ugwuanyi, urged collaborative efforts to break the cycle and build a drug-free society.

In his lecture, Vincent Egbuogu of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, described drug abuse as destructive and profit-driven.

He called for reduced supply and demand alongside stronger market countermeasures.

Onyinye Obeagu, wife of Isi-Uzo Council chairman, said their collaboration with NDLEA had boosted drug abuse prevention locally.

The event was attended by civil society groups, security agencies, students, NYSC members, state officials and academic representatives.

(NAN)