Awka NDLEA records reduction in illicit drugs demand
The Anambra State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said there is a reduction in demand for illicit drugs in the state in the month of January and February 2020.
The State Commander of the agency, Mr. Mohammed Idris, made this revelation while intimating journalists on the seizures made by the agency in the months under review during a press conference in his office, Awka.
He explained that this is as result of the increases in surveillance and intelligence applied by officers and men of the agency to intercept illicit and controlled drugs that are trafficked through the state.
Idris revealed that in the months of January and February, the agency had seized and intercepted hard drugs of different types that weigh over five hundred and forty one kilogrammes, a figure that surpasses the total seizures made by the agency in the 2019 calendar year.
The NDLEA boss said that the success recorded by the agency is due to the change in strategy adopted by his leadership to nip drug trafficking in the bud in the state and the continued support of the Governor Willie Obiano-led administration to the fight.
He further revealed that agency has secured five convictions in the two months under review and has begun the prosecutions of thirteen person for various drug crimes while twenty three persons who abuse drugs are currently undergoing rehabilitation through the agency.
Amongst the illicit drugs seized by the agency include three hundred and twenty kilogrammes of cough syrup with codeine which has been banned in the country and Tramadol capsules that ranges up to 220 miligrammes.
In another development, the State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it has secured the conviction of about thirty-seven people over drug related offences.
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The State Commander of the agency, Mr. Mohammed Idris, who disclosed this in Awka, added that over one hundred suspects are on awaiting trial, while about five hundred kilogrammes of different types of drugs were seized by the agency.
NDLEA boss canvassed better ways of using the media in mobilising community to curb related crimes in the state.
He expressed worry that people are still unaware of dangers associated with drugs abuse, adding that with the help of the agency and the media, the State government achievements in security will be sustained and improved.
