The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested 129 suspects and seized 280kg of illicit drugs in last six months in Kogi.

The state NDLEA Commander, Umar Yahuza, made the disclosure during a news conference in commemoration of the United Nations’ Day against Drug Abuse in Lokoja on Tuesday.

According to Mr Yahuza, the feat is a major clampdown on drug abuse and trafficking in Kogi, a gateway for travellers from both the northern and southern parts of the country.

‘He stated, “The agency in its eagle eye operations from January to June successfully arrested 129 suspects and seized a total of 282.3 Kg of illicit drugs in the state. The seized substances include cannabis sativa, cocaine, tramadol, opioids and various psychotropic drugs. The unfortunate thing is that these harmful drugs were meant to be sold to our teeming youths in Kogi and transported to other parts of the country. One can only imagine the level of destruction that would have followed if the drugs had found their way into circulation.’’.

The commander also disclosed that the agency secured 35 convictions within the period under review, and that some other cases were in various stages of trial at the Federal High Court.

Through its Drug Demand Reduction Unit, the agency has been actively engaged in drug abuse prevention campaigns across motor parks, schools, mosques, churches, and corporate organisations in Kogi State.

According to him, 106 drug-dependent individuals received brief counselling interventions aside 40 individuals referred by their families who have since been reintegrated into society.

Mr Yahuza warned illicit drug users and traffickers to stop the dastardly act or face the wrath of the law, stressing that there is no room for criminals and criminality in the state.

(NAN)