NDLEA arrests 49 suspects, seizes 30kg of cannabis in FCT

The Federal Capital Territory Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 49 suspected drug peddlers and seized 30 kilograms of psychotropic substance and hard drugs in August.

Public Relations Officer of the command, Peter Adegbe, who disclosed this on Monday in Abuja, said other drugs that were seized include Tramadol, Codeine and large quantities of rubber solution (used for patching tyres).

“The operation called ‘Operation Shara’ which means ‘to sweep,’ which aimed at addressing drug sales and uses in the FCT, is a follow up of what we did in 2018.

“The operation which was sponsored by the FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello, was targeted at various individuals who are into drug sales and usage in various strategic locations in the FCT.

“It involves NDLEA officers from the FCT and Bauchi state command and we also called officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to augment the operations.

“60 NDLEA officers and 20 civil defence corps were assigned to specific locations in FCT and they conducted surveillance during the day and strike any suspected area of drug peddlers,” Adegbe stated.

He said that the activities of drug peddlers in Zone 4 and Banex area of Abuja have seized completely, adding that they have extended their operation to Mararaba.

“The operations so far have recorded great success and the result is encouraging. However, some of the suspected drug peddlers have been charged to court while some were counselled.

“Some of the arrested suspects were investigated and those who needed counselling were been referred. The command also helped in the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts in its facility,” he said.

The NDLEA spokesman said further that the operation would continue until September, adding that an appraisal would be done to decide on the continuity of the operation.

According to him, the effective and efficient response to drug problems require institutions of criminal justice, health and social services to work side by side in order to provide joint solutions.

He commended the federal government on the approval of recruitment of 5, 000 personnel into the agency, adding that it would go a long way to improve efficiency.

“We do not run shift. Most times, we work 24 hours a week because we do not have enough strength, but with the step taken by the federal government, we would be able to run shifts.

“If we have the manpower, we would not have introduced the NSCDC to join us in the operations. However, with the recruitment of 5, 000 officers, it would help us to carry out our mandate,” he assured.

Adegbe, however, enjoined stakeholders in the criminal justice system to enforce laws that would protect people from “violence and criminal exploitation emanating from illicit drug use and substance abuse” and called on residents and spirited individuals to make necessary complaints for the safety and peace of the streets and the city at large.