The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) seized 1.5 tonnes of illicit drugs and arrested 993 suspects in Katsina State from November 10 to 23.

The NDLEA commander in the state, Mohammed Bashir, made this known while briefing journalists on the command’s activities within the period under review.

Mr Bashir, who took over the command on November 10, said an evidence-based approach was used to intensify raids and surveillance.

“This approach has yielded positive results with 993 arrests. They comprised 977 males and 16 females.

“The total drugs seized within the period is 1,555,446kgs. This is made up of 1,473.795kgs of Cannabis Sativa, 81.651,39kgs of psychotropic substances and 92.95 litres of cough syrup with codeine,” he said.

The commander said 93 per cent of the suspects arrested are between 16 and 40 years.

Mr Bashir said the command’s drug demand reduction unit could counsel and rehabilitate 76 people.

“Four of the people who had Substance Use Disorders (SUD) are from Niger republic.

“Close to 800 persons have undergone brief intervention at the centre. It is sad that 95 per cent fall between the age bracket of 16 and 40.

“The command has enjoyed the support of Governor Aminu Masari. Recently, the governor sponsored the counselling and rehabilitation of 45 SUDs in our centre. 

“Those SUDs were able to learn vocational skills like leather work, carpentry and Information Technology (IT). They have since been integrated with their families.”

Mr Bashir said through the NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse, the command has taken its message to most of the communities within the state. 

(NAN)