NDLEA SEIZES 6,668 TONNES OF ILLICIT SUBSTANCES IN TWO YEARS

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The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.) says the agency has seized more than 6,668 tonnes of illicit substances in two years.

Marwa stated this in response to Governor Dikko Radda’s plea for collaboration and the deployment of more NDLEA troops to all sections of Katsina.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi, on Friday in Abuja.

Marwa also said that more than 36,096 suspects had been arrested and more than 6,043 are already prosecuted and convicted within the same period.

He stated that the drug menance was a massive problem that has wrecked the lives of many Nigerian youths and communities.

According to him, it is the public enemy number one, and especially the criminal aspect of it, because 99 per cent of criminals must first have access to drugs and be under the influence to perpetrate some of their acts.

“That is why the NDLEA under the collective support of the directorates and management, has put all efforts towards operation ‘offensive action’.

“This operation involves going out to seize all drugs cultivated, imported, or on the verge of being exported out of the country.

“More than 6,668 tonnes of illicit substances have been seized in two years, and this is the drug supply reduction aspect.

“We have also arrested the perpetrators of the act, and more than 36,096 suspects have been arrested and more than 6,043 already prosecuted and convicted within this period.”

Marwa emphasized the importance of drug demand reduction, which focuses on the prevention, treatment, and aftercare of drug users.

“The preventive measure targets those who have not started or are about to start drug use.

“They are targeted through advocacy and sensitisation across all levels.

“It is for this reason we structured the War Against Drug Abuse initiative from the National to Local Government Area levels,” he said.