NDLEA arrests 60 drug suspects in Akwa Ibom in three months
The National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Akwa Ibom State said it had arrested 60 drug suspects and secured 11 convictions in the last three months.
NDLEA State Commander Obot Bassey gave the figures in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo on Monday.
Ms. Bassey said that apart from the 11 convictions, several cases were still pending and were being prosecuted at various stages in the courts.
She said efforts must be prioritized to raise awareness of the devastating consequences of drug abuse on young people and society, especially during this Christmas season.
"As I explained to you, between September and today, we had a seizure of more than 150 kg in the reporting period alone, in terms of drugs and psychotropic substances seized.
"We have arrested more than 60 suspects and convicted no less than 11. Likewise, more than 42 drug suspects have been counseled, while more than 10 others have been rehabilitated.
“We do a lot of outreach. Like yesterday, I was with the Christian Association of Nigeria, sensitizing the church on the dangers of the newest drug in town called fentanyl.
"It's an opioid and it's supposed to be used in surgery to relieve severe pain," Ms. Bassey said.
The NDLEA commander said that during this period the command also made a seizure of around 90 kg of the substance amphetamine, describing it as very deadly and should not be found on the street.
Ms Bassey said the Command is doing everything possible to mop up all hard drugs and mind-altering substances from the streets, to ensure a hitch-free Yuletide.
READ ALSO:She called on multinational organizations, philanthropists and all individuals to join the NDLEA, to reduce drug abuse and trafficking to a bare minimum in the state.
"So, I am using this media to tell all Akwa Ibom people to look out for all substances that are not supposed to be taken and keep the NDLEA informed about these substances.
“They must also report to the agency any surroundings or neighbors suspected of illicit trade or drug abuse,” she said.
On his projection for 2023, the NDLEA Commander said the command would sweep the state of drug trafficking and abuse.
She highlighted the continued public awareness of drug abuse.
Ms. Bassey identified one of the main challenges facing the Akwa Ibom branch as the lack of logistics vehicles to cover all 31 local government areas in the state.
According to her, when the threat of drugs is brought under control, insecurity will be reduced to a bare minimum.
(NAN)
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The National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Akwa Ibom State said it had arrested 60 drug suspects and secured 11 convictions in the last three months.
NDLEA State Commander Obot Bassey gave the figures in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo on Monday.
Ms. Bassey said that apart from the 11 convictions, several cases were still pending and were being prosecuted at various stages in the courts.
She said efforts must be prioritized to raise awareness of the devastating consequences of drug abuse on young people and society, especially during this Christmas season.
"As I explained to you, between September and today, we had a seizure of more than 150 kg in the reporting period alone, in terms of drugs and psychotropic substances seized.
"We have arrested more than 60 suspects and convicted no less than 11. Likewise, more than 42 drug suspects have been counseled, while more than 10 others have been rehabilitated.
“We do a lot of outreach. Like yesterday, I was with the Christian Association of Nigeria, sensitizing the church on the dangers of the newest drug in town called fentanyl.
"It's an opioid and it's supposed to be used in surgery to relieve severe pain," Ms. Bassey said.
The NDLEA commander said that during this period the command also made a seizure of around 90 kg of the substance amphetamine, describing it as very deadly and should not be found on the street.
Ms Bassey said the Command is doing everything possible to mop up all hard drugs and mind-altering substances from the streets, to ensure a hitch-free Yuletide.
READ ALSO:She called on multinational organizations, philanthropists and all individuals to join the NDLEA, to reduce drug abuse and trafficking to a bare minimum in the state.
"So, I am using this media to tell all Akwa Ibom people to look out for all substances that are not supposed to be taken and keep the NDLEA informed about these substances.
“They must also report to the agency any surroundings or neighbors suspected of illicit trade or drug abuse,” she said.
On his projection for 2023, the NDLEA Commander said the command would sweep the state of drug trafficking and abuse.
She highlighted the continued public awareness of drug abuse.
Ms. Bassey identified one of the main challenges facing the Akwa Ibom branch as the lack of logistics vehicles to cover all 31 local government areas in the state.
According to her, when the threat of drugs is brought under control, insecurity will be reduced to a bare minimum.
(NAN)
Support the integrity and credibility journalism of PREMIUM TIMES Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider providing modest support to this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help sustain relevant journalism and keep it free and accessible to everyone.Donate
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