... command arrests 192 drugs offenders, convicts 30 suspects in one year
By Prisca Nguzo
The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, in Imo State said it has arrested 192 drug offenders and convicted 30 male suspects between June 2023 till June 2024 in the State.
The Imo State Commander of NDLEA Abdullahi Saeed disclosed this Wednesday during the commemoration of United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held at the command's office, Oweeri
Saeed said that out of the 192 drug offenders attested, 171 are male while 21 are female.
He disclosed that the command made a seizure of 2,639.27kg of various types of drugs ranging from cocaine, cannabis, marijuana amongst others adding that the greater in quantity of drugs seized are cannabis.
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The NDLEA boss said that by way of intervention, the office has rehabilitated 40 drug users through counselling after which they rejoined their family members.
He expressed regret that a good number of youths in the country both male and female particularly those in secondary schools and tertiary institutions finds abuse of drugs fashionable and embrace it without hesitation.
He said: "this, already, is creating a huge problem for the society .Its a well- known fact drug has nexus with other crimes such as banditry, kidnapping, murder, suicide, rape, etc".
The State commander said that June 26th is commemorated every year by nations of the world with a weeklong of activities .
He said that this year's theme for the commemoration: is "Evidence is Clear; Invest in Prevention", which reminds the world that it pays more to prevent abuse of drugs than smuggling to threat treat those already afflicted with problem.
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Saeed observed that issue of drug abuse cannot be handled by NDLEA, rather with the collaboration of other sister agencies, organizations in the society
He said that to ensure peaceful, prosperous and secured nation, there must be a collective sustenance of war on drug abuse and illicit trafficking for common good.
He said: "the sustenance of war on drug abuse is the right and appropriate course of action to under take now for more immediate good and for the security of our future".
There were series of lectures delivered by eminent scholars in different fields of discipline which centered on drug abuse.
Highpoint of the event was the display of cultural dance from different schools in attendance.
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