NDLEA destroys N2b illegal drugs in Akwa Ibom alone
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Assorted illegal drugs weighing 2.768 tonnes with an estimated value of N2 billion have been destroyed in Akwa Ibom by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
NDLEA Chairman Buba Marwa, represented by state NDLEA Secretary Shedrach Haruna, made the disclosure when he visited Deputy Governor Moses Ekpo at Government House in Uyo.
He listed the drugs to include cannabis sativa, cocaine, heroin, and other psychotropic substances, according to a statement issued by Ekpo’s Press Secretary Ekikere Umoh.
Umoh quoted NDLEA officials as saying the drugs were seized between 2014 and September 2021 and the destruction is in line with the NDLEA Act which mandates it to destroy seized narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
The officials pledged the determination of the NDLEA to rid the country of hard drugs, to arrest and prosecute drug offenders, and tackle the scourge through awareness and sensitisation programmes for vulnerable youths and other groups.
They expressed appreciation to the federal and state governments and other partners for their support in the fight against illicit drugs and requested for land from the Akwa Ibom government to build NDLEA staff barracks.
They also disclosed plans to establish Drug Free Clubs in schools to help curb the menace.
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Positive report card
Ekpo acknowledged the positive report card of the NDLEA and commended Marwa for bringing an inspiring narrative to its performance, according to The PUNCH.
He said efforts of the NDLEA have resulted in the upsurge of drug seizures, and arrest and convictions in drug corridors across the country, noting recent seizures in Akwa Ibom which included 90 kilograms of suspected Amphetamine.
“This has obviously rubbed-off on the Akwa Ibom State office, with the result that we have been able to effectively contain the challenges of drug abuse and illicit trafficking,” Ekpo added.
He urged Abuja to further empower the NDLEA with more funding to enable it support to state offices and procure work tools for a revolution in the fight against illegal drugs.
“I call on Nigerians to team up with the government in the war against drug use and illicit trafficking.
“The negative implications of drug abuse are far-reaching, including adverse effects on the health of our people, avoidable road accidents and drug-related criminality.”
