Mr Marwa emphasised the critical role of parents in drug abuse prevention, urging them to instil sound moral values in their children.
NDLEA chairman Buba Marwa says recent training of the agency’s marine command officers in diving would discourage large shipments of cocaine to Nigeria.
The Thai government described it as a development that has positively impacted the country’s image in the international community.
NDLEA made 13,664 arrests, leading to the seizure of 1,606,799.09kg of illicit drugs and 3,412 convictions, with 5,570 offenders charged to court in 2023.
The Federal Ministry of Youth Development is seeking a partnership with the NDLEA to check rising cases of drug abuse among Nigerian youths.
Mr Marwa said the sheer bulk of the drugs destroyed was a reminder of the magnitude of the drug problem in the country.
He also stated that NDLEA officers seized at least 120,000 capsules of tramadol on November 27.
Also known as Ibrahim Bendel, he was serving a prison term for drug dealing when he escaped from custody.
NDLEA says it has intensified sensitisation programmes at motor parks and strengthened collaboration with NURTW, particularly in information sharing.
“He added that that was why he decided to go into drug trafficking to raise enough money to marry a new wife and start life afresh,’’ Mr Babafemi stated.
