The Cross River Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says 2.05 tons of hard drugs were seized from drug peddlers between January and December in the state.

The state commander, Rachel Umebuali, disclosed in an interview on Monday in Calabar that 223 suspects were also arrested concerning the seizures.

While noting that the suspects included 22 females and 201 males, the commandant listed the seized hard drugs to be cannabis, cocaine, heroin, Methamphetamine and Psychotropics.

According to her, 1.64 tons of cannabis were seized, while cocaine, heroin, Methamphetamine and Psychotropics account for 3.5 grammes, 4.3 grammes, 81.9 grammes and 410.24kg, respectively.

While not giving specific figures, Ms Umebuali said several suspects were charged to court.

She further explained that the command secured the conviction of some suspects while some of the arrested suspects were also discharged and acquitted by the courts.

The narcotics commander, who bemoaned rising cases of drug abuse among the youths, identified vehicles and motorbikes as the peddlers’ mode of operations.

She said despite some obvious challenges, the command was still able to record huge success in the outgoing year.

“Our operations are hampered primarily by inadequate operational vehicles, inaccessible and bad roads, especially during the rainy season, cultism and communal crisis,” she added.

(NAN)