Anti-narcotics agency NDLEA seized 12,611.656kg of illicit drugs and arrested 1,887 suspects from July 2021 to June 2022 in Kano State, state commander Abubakar Idris-Ahmad has said. 

Mr Idris-Ahmad disclosed this while addressing reporters on Friday in Kano, to mark UN International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.

The theme for the year is: “Addressing Drug Challenges in the Health and Humanitarian Crises.”

According to him, the purpose of the United Nations day is to raise awareness of citizens about drug abuse and trafficking menace in the society.

“NDLEA is working tirelessly in curtailing illicit drug production, importation, exportation and trafficking of psycoative substances.”

He noted that during the period, out of 12,611.656 kg of illicit drugs seized, 9,735.004kg were cannabis sativa while 2,875.223 kg were psychotropic substances.

“Other seized items include 1.123kg of cocaine and 0.128kg of heroin.”

Mr Idris-Ahmad said 1,887 suspects were arrested, comprising 1,465 males and 442 females between the ages of 18 and 35 years.

“185 persons were arraigned before the court; we secured 76 convictions while 109 cases are still pending before the courts.”

Meanwhile, the commandant said the agency discovered and destroyed five farms of Cannabis in five local government areas of the state.

“The farms included those located in Fari Village in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area, Yar Bundu in Bichi Local Government and Kiru local government Area.”

He said others were in Mantau forest, Danbatta, Nasarawa and Gwarzo LGAs.

He further explained that 59 regular clients were counselled and rehabilitated, while 1,702 drug users were referred for brief intervention within the period.

Mr Idris-Ahmad commended Governor Abdullahi Ganduje and his wife Professor Hafsat Ganduje, for their support.

He called on various stakeholders to redouble their efforts in supporting the agency to carry out its mandate.

(NAN)