The chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa says the agency seized over 6,668 tonnes of illicit substances in two years.

Mr Marwa said this while responding to Governor Dikko Radda’s request for partnership and deployment of more NDLEA personnel to all parts of Katsina. 

According to a statement on Friday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, Mr Marwa also said over 36,096 suspects had been arrested, and more than 6,043 prosecuted and convicted within the same period.

The NDLEA boss said, “More than 6,668 tonnes of illicit substances have been seized in two years, and this is the drug supply reduction aspect.

“We have also arrested the perpetrators of the act, and more than 36,096 suspects have been arrested and more than 6,043 already prosecuted and convicted within this period.”

He noted that the drug menace was a huge issue, destroying the lives of several Nigerian youths and communities.

“That is why the NDLEA, under the collective support of the directorates and management, has put all efforts towards operation ‘offensive action’.

“This operation involves going out to seize all drugs cultivated, imported or on the verge of being exported out of the country,” he explained. 

Mr Marwa emphasised that another side of the fight was drug demand reduction, focusing on prevention, treatment and aftercare of drug-dependent persons.

“The preventive measure targets those who have not started or are about to start drug use.

“They are targeted through advocacy and sensitisation across all levels.

“It is for this reason we structured the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative from the National to Local Government Area (LGA) levels, ” he said.

Speaking, Mr Radda said the Katsina State government recognises that the NDLEA has been making lots of efforts in supporting the government.

“But we still need more support from the chairman to stop the movement of drugs and ensure the arrest and prosecution of dealers in the state,” he added. 

The governor appealed for better partnership and synergy to reduce the abuse of drugs, the activities of banditry and trafficking in the state.

(NAN)