The special command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Seme, Badagry, says it arrested 194 suspects and also convicted 48 people in one year.

Owen Dinneys, Area Commander, disclosed this on Wednesday during a news conference to commemorate the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Badagry.

The theme of the 2024 event is “The Evidence Is Clear: Invest in Prevention”.

Mr Dinneys stated that out of the 194 suspects, 149 were male and 45 female.

“Several other cases are still ongoing at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.

“A total of 159 drug users were counselled and discharged, while three referrals were made during the same period,” he said.

The area commander noted that the command seized 10,974.12 kg of assorted drugs, equivalent to over 10 tonnes.

The seized drug exhibits included: cannabis: 10,967.5 kilogrammes; methamphetamine: 0.98 kilogrammes; tramadol: 3.576 kilogrammes; diazepam: 2.06 kilogrammes; rophynol: 0.3375 kilogrammes in the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA).

The command elevated its awareness campaigns in schools, churches, mosques, markets and government institutions.

“We even carried our advocacy drive to traditional institutions and well-meaning community leaders/stakeholders,” Mr Dinneys said.

During the period under review, the WADA team visited 70 public and private schools, 16 mosques, ten churches, and 54 public and private organisations, including markets, CDAs, and the Okada Riders Association, for awareness campaigns.

“We intend to visit all the schools within our area of responsibility to ensure that no child is left uninformed on the dangers of drug abuse,” he added.

Officials of the agency, along with other security agencies, walked within the Badagry area, sensitising residents on the menace of drug abuse.

(NAN)