The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has seized 15,500 kilogramme of illicit drugs in the past three years in Borno.

The state commandant of the agency, Mr Joseph Icha stated this on Friday in Maiduguri during a courtesy visit to the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Borno State Council.

He said operatives of the agency seized the drugs from 2021 to date, adding that it comprised Cannabis Sativa; Cocaine, Heroine, Diazepam, Tramadol, among other narcotic substances.

The seized drugs, he said, would be destroyed at a later date, adding that in the year 2020, the agency destroyed 19,235 kgs of illicit drugs in the state.

He said the visit was part of activities to mark the 2023 World Drugs Day with the theme: “People first, stop the stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention”.

According to him, the agency will conduct various activities in the next 30 days to appraise its performances and achievements toward building a drug-free society.

“We are at the right place to meet you (journalists) to seek support and synergy from you.

“The UN Day of Drug Abuse is a day we will remind the world that there are actually drug challenges.

“We have been able to seize some monies from drug peddlers and put the monies into the federal government’s account; seized vehicles have been valued for auction and arrested persons are undergoing trials for various drug offences in the courts,” he said.

While commending the Borno state government for its support, Mr Icha thanked the chairman of the agency, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retired) for the office rehabilitation and provision of adequate logistics to enhance its operations in the state.

“The successes achieved wouldn’t have been possible without the synergy and support from other security agencies in the state,” he said.

Responding, the council chairman, Mr Dauda Iliya thanked the commandant for the visit.

He said the feat achieved was a testimony to his hard work and determination to eradicate the menace of drug abuse in the state.

“We congratulate you for the feat you have achieved as well as your effort in ridding the state of illicit drugs, and your efforts in ensuring the reduction of drug demand and supply among the teeming youths to make productive citizens.

“We are ready to amplify what you are doing as well as the successes recorded to ensure that the public understands the dangers inherent in drug abuse,” he said.

(NAN)