NDLEA nabbed 60 drug suspects, secured 11 convictions in Akwa Ibom: Official
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)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
South-West CAN calls for improved measures to tackle insecurity
The association sympathised with victims, their families and communities affected by the attacks.
States
Troops foil kidnap attempts, rescue victims in Plateau, Kaduna
Mr Oteh said the pursuit enabled troops to rescue a pastor and his wife from the kidnappers.
Heading 1
Eulogies for British-Nigerian singer Mark Orabiyi stabbed to death in UK
“Despite the efforts of paramedics, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene,” the police said.
Hot news Home top
Unregistered Toyota Corolla, weapons, charms recovered in building Oyo kidnappers kept Adelabu’s sister, nephews: CP
A landlord in the area, Moruf Orankan, said the house used for the operation belong to a woman who was not living in the community.
Africa
Xenophobia: Malawi repatriates 150 citizens from South Africa
The Malawi’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation made the disclosure in a statement.
States
CP decries high rate of widows’ rights violation in Anambra
The CP urged husbands in the state to always write a will to protect their wives and children in the case of death.
