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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Ebonyi Command said it seized 82.587kg of various illicit drugs in the state between January and June.
The Command said it also arrested 139 suspected drug traffickers in the period under review and among the suspects were 35 females and 104 males.
Mr Peter Ogar, NDLEA’s commander in the state, disclosed this on Tuesday at a news conference in Abakaliki as part of activities marking the 2024 United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Ogar said the theme for 2024 celebration, ‘The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention’, was significant in the efforts to curb drug abuses in the society.
The commander listed some of the drugs seized to include: cannabis sativa, tramadol, flunitrazepam, methamphetamine, locally known as `Mkpurummiri’, and other illicit substances.
He explained that the Command convicted 13 suspects within the period under review.
“In line with our mandate to get rid of drug abuse and trafficking, the Command conducted the following activities for the period of January to June 2024.
“A total of 139 suspects arrested, 35 females and 104 males. The Command seized a total of 82.587kg of various drug exhibits.
“Out of these numbers, the Command counselled 40 clients arrested during raid operations. The Command secured convictions of 13 suspects within the period,” he said.
Ogar noted that within the period under review, various cases are pending at the Federal High Court, Abakaliki, awaiting determination.
“The period witnessed a wide range of sensitization programmes, campaigns and drug abuse enlightenment education across the three senatorial zones of the state,” he added.
The commander urged stakeholders including government, agencies, international organizations to provide preventive strategies by way of policies aiming at clamping down on drug abuses.
He noted that such policies and programmes could create awareness on the dangers of drugs on both individuals and society.
“The government needs to fashion out ways of getting those who are hooked on drugs rehabilitated and prevent those trying to indulge in drug abuses,” Ogar advised.
