The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Cross River State Command has said it secured 28 drug-related convictions and filed 61 cases between January and June.

The state commander, John Anteyi, disclosed this on Tuesday in Calabar during a press briefing to mark the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Mr Anteyi said the command remained committed to combating drug abuse in the state, adding that 132 cases were currently pending at various stages before the state high court.

According to him, 262 suspects, comprising 207 males and 55 females were arrested during the period under review.

He noted that the arrests were linked to the seizure of 6,575 drug consignments in the same period.

Mr Anteyi gave a breakdown of the seizures, which included 6.398 kg of cannabis sativa, 1.47 kg of cannabis sativa seeds, 60.4 g of cocaine, 20.2 g of heroin, 778.6 g of methamphetamine, and 166.4 kg of psychotropic substances.

He added that the command also destroyed 14 hectares of cannabis farms in the Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.

The commander expressed concern over the prevalence of drug abuse among youths and its impact on public safety and national development.

He said drug abuse had become a growing concern across educational institutions, urban centres, rural communities and among vulnerable groups.

He noted that the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking served as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect communities.

According to him, the day provides an opportunity to raise awareness, mobilise action, and strengthen partnerships for a drug-free society.

Meanwhile, the Cross River State Government has pledged continued partnership with the NDLEA to combat drug abuse and trafficking in the state.

The chairperson of the state Drug Control Committee, Enyoanwan-Itam Otu, made the pledge through her media aide, Faith Okon.

She said the committee would intensify advocacy, awareness campaigns, prevention programmes, and community engagement across the state.

Mrs Otu called on residents to join the fight against drug abuse, urging parents to monitor their children closely and encouraging youths to embrace discipline and productivity.

She added that the fight against drugs was a collective responsibility aimed at building a safer and more prosperous Cross River.

(NAN)