The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Akwa Ibom Command, says it arrested 60 drug suspects and secured 11 convictions in the last three months.

NDLEA commander in Akwa Ibom, Obot Bassey, who gave the figures in an interview on Monday in Uyo, said over 150kg of drugs were seized within the period.

Ms Bassey said apart from the 11 convictions secured, several cases were still pending and were undergoing prosecution at different stages in court.

“We have arrested over 60 suspects and convicted no fewer than 11. Similarly, over 42 drug suspects were counselled, while more than 10 others were rehabilitated,” she said.

She said efforts must be prioritised to create awareness of the devastating consequences of drug abuse and illicit trafficking on youths and society, especially during this Yuletide.

According to her, the agency has been sensitising residents on the dangers of fentanyl, the latest drug in town,

“It is an opioid and is supposed to be used for surgery for the relief of severe pains,” Ms Bassey explained.

The official stated that during the period, the command also made a seizure of about 90kg of amphetamine substance, describing it as very deadly and should not be found on the street.

Ms Bassey said the command was doing everything possible to mop up all the hard drugs and psychotropic substances from the street to ensure a hitch-free yuletide.

The commander appealed to multinational organisations, philanthropists and all individuals to join work with the NDLEA to reduce drug abuse and trafficking to the barest minimum in the state.

“They must also report any suspected environment or neighbours doing illicit drug trading or abuse to the agency,” she said.

On her projection for 2023, the NDLEA commander said the command would sweep the state clean of drug trafficking and abuse.

She emphasised continued sensitisation of the public on what drug is, drug abuse and misuse.

Ms Bassey identified one of the major challenges confronting the agency in the state as a lack of logistics vehicles to cover the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom.

According to her, when the drug menace is curbed, insecurity will be reduced to the barest minimum. 

(NAN)