NDLEA arrests 366 traffickers, seizes 1.56 tonnes of hard drugs
In a significant stride against drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested 366 suspected traffickers and confiscated 1,560.97kg (1.56 tonnes) of hard drugs within Enugu State throughout 2024.
The NDLEA revealed that the seized substances included cocaine, heroin, cannabis sativa (hemp), and methamphetamine, locally known as “Mkpurumiri,” among others.
Abel Wadahi, the Commander of NDLEA Enugu State Command, disclosed the details to journalists in Enugu, highlighting that those apprehended included 324 males and 42 females.
Wadahi reported that 39 male suspects were successfully convicted at the Federal High Court, Enugu, during the year. Meanwhile, 124 cases remain pending, and 118 cases filed at the Federal High Court are at various stages of trial.
In addition, the agency forfeited 11 vehicles and 24 motorcycles permanently in 2024. Four vehicles and two motorcycles have also been seized and charged to court for interim forfeiture.
The NDLEA Commander noted that the agency had counseled, treated, and rehabilitated 335 individuals at its rehabilitation facility during the year, most of whom benefited from brief interventions.
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“We look forward to doing more once we have the new rehabilitation centre we are anticipating,” Wadahi stated.
The Command embarked on 109 sensitisation and awareness programmes, targeting young people in schools, motor parks, worship centres, workplaces, and communities. These programmes reached a total of 47,651 individuals, comprising 23,643 males and 24,008 females.
“This is in addition to the thousands of homes reached with our anti-substance abuse messages through our aggressive and impactful media campaigns using various traditional and new media platforms,” he added.
Wadahi called on members of the public to empathise with those undergoing rehabilitation, as this support is crucial in helping them overcome their challenges.
“The NDLEA has invested resources in preventing the abuse and trafficking of illicit substances. We are also not relenting in our efforts to cut off supply channels and dismantle trafficking networks. When you cut off drug supplies, you deny users availability and access to them, including insurgents, terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and sundry criminals who rely on drugs to foster their criminalities,” he said.
Wadahi expressed gratitude to the Chairman of the NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retired), for his unwavering support in 2024. He also commended Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for his encouragement and response to the needs of the Command.
Written by Sakinat Musa Abubakar, Editor at Neptune Prime
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