The Kano office of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced it arrested over 1000 drug suspects and seized large quantities of illicit drugs in 2023, it says in a report.
According to a statement by the Commandant of the agency in Kano State, Mr. Abubakar Idris-Ahmad on Sunday, a total of 1,016 suspects were arrested, comprising 40 females and 976 males.
The illicit drugs seized included 6,098kg of Indian hemp, 1,696kg of codeine and tramadol, as well as 1,335kg of cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine.
“We rehabilitated 70 clients, investigated 598 visa clearance applications, and conducted 245 substance abuse tests, out of which six persons tested positive for different drug abuses.
“We also sensitised 5,000 individuals and engaged drug demand reduction professionals who counselled 1,459 persons,’’ Idris-Ahmad said.
The command also destroyed more than 15 tons of assorted narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in 2023, he added.
Idris-Ahmad noted that the arrests and seizures were part of the agency’s efforts to curb drug abuse and trafficking in Kano State. He commended his officers for their diligence and called for continued dedication to rid the state of illicit drug activities.
The agency also secured 102 convictions in 2023 and got the forfeiture of five vehicles, while 104 cases are still pending in court.
The NDLEA commandant assured that the agency would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the fight against drug abuse in the state in 2024.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the well-being and safety of communities from the devastating consequences of drug abuse.
“We will intensify efforts at dismantling drug networks, rehabilitate those in need, secure convictions, and destroy illicit substances leaving no room for drug trade to flourish,’’ Idris-Ahmad assured.
He also appealed to members of the public to provide useful information to help apprehend drug criminals.