The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Wednesday destroyed seven hectares of hemp farms and arrested three suspects in Kogi.

The NDLEA Kogi Commander, Umar Yahuza, made this known during an interview in Lokoja.

Mr Yahuza said that three hectares were discovered in Ikeja  Forest, while the other four were in Maikeke Village of in the Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of the state

He said that during the operation,  three suspects were arrested at the Ikeja Forest, while the owner of the four hectares of hemp farm escaped.

He said that the agency’s breakthrough was recorded within a week, during it’s operation zero tolerance to illicit drugs in the Kogi East axis.

He stated, “The discoveries followed intelligence reports received from individuals. Our officers and men swooped on the two farms on August 9 and August 15 respectively. We are on the trail of the suspect who escaped to ensure he is arrested and prosecuted. Their activities in the communities are destroying the lives of citizens. NDLEA is leaving nothing to chance in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in the state. We are planning to search every nook and cranny of Kogi to ensure that the traffickers and comments of hard drugs are arrested and brought to book to serve as deterrent to others.’’

The commander appealed to the general public to assist the agency in its fight against consumption and trafficking of illicit drugs destroying many youths.

(NAN)