The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria says it arrested a total of 139 illicit drug traffickers, with thirty-five (35) of them being female, between the month of January to June 2024.
The State Commander of the Agency, Peter Ogar made the disclosure while speaking to Journalists in Abakaliki, during a public sensitization rally across the major roads of the capital city, with Heads of other security agencies and their officers in Ebonyi State.
The road walk is aimed at creating awareness against hard drugs trafficking and abuse, as part of activities to commemorate the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Ogar, who gave a performance breakdown of the anti-drug agency in the State, notes that fighting against drug abuse requires concerted efforts of stakeholders, as well as adequate sensitization in the rural areas among adolescent aged children.
“In line with our mandate to get rid of drug abuse and trafficking, the Ebonyi State Command conducted the following activities for the period of January to June 2024. A total of 139 suspects arrested, thirty-five (35) females and one hundred and four (104) males. The command seized a total of 82.587 kilogrammes of various drug exhibits. Out of these numbers, the command counselled a total of forty (40) clients arrested during raid operations. The Command convicted thirteen (13) suspects within the period under review, while various cases are pending at Federal High Court Abakaliki, awaiting determination.”
The Ebonyi State NDLEA commander, says the period under review witnessed a wide range of Sensitization programmes, campaigns and drug abuse enlightenment education across the three senatorial zones of the State.
The event featured lectures by resource persons which had in attendance government officials, traditional and religious leaders, health workers, security agencies, students, National Youth Corps members, among others.
(Editor : Ena Agbanoma)
