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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Anambra agency destroys N50 million worth of illicit drugs, arrests suspects

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • The Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA) destroyed illicit drugs worth an estimated ₦50 million in Awka and its environs.
  • Suspects arrested in connection with the drug trade have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
  • SASA reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on drug abuse and touting, warning offenders of strict legal consequences and urging citizens to report suspicious activities.

Operatives of the Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA) have destroyed illicit drugs valued at approximately ₦50 million during raids conducted in Awka, the state capital, and surrounding areas. The operation, which took place on Saturday, targeted various locations suspected of being involved in the illegal drug trade.

The raid underscores SASA’s commitment to dismantling illicit drug networks and curbing criminality across Anambra State. It is a significant enforcement exercise carried out after credible intelligence gathering across various locations.

— Monday NwokoyeManaging Director of SASA, explaining the purpose and execution of the drug destruction operation.

Monday Nwokoye, the Managing Director of SASA, stated that individuals apprehended in connection with these activities have been transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further legal action. He emphasized that the raids were prompted by credible intelligence, underscoring the agency's firm commitment to combating illicit drug abuse and touting within the state. Nwokoye issued a stern warning to anyone involved in the sale or consumption of illegal substances, cautioning them to desist or face severe legal repercussions.

"This raid underscores SASA’s commitment to dismantling illicit drug networks and curbing criminality across Anambra State," Nwokoye declared. He highlighted the operation as a significant enforcement exercise following thorough intelligence gathering. The seized drugs, including cocaine, "Ghanaian loud," tramadol, cannabis sativa, and "mkpulu mmiri," were publicly burned to prevent them from re-entering circulation. SASA officers vowed to continue their mandate without fear or favor, expressing gratitude for the support from Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

Illicit drugs estimated to be worth about N50m were found and destroyed, reaffirming the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on drug abuse and touting.

— Monday NwokoyeManaging Director of SASA, detailing the scale of the operation and the agency's policy.

The agency urged residents of Anambra to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities observed in their local communities. This collaborative approach, they believe, is essential for building a secure, livable, and prosperous homeland, free from touting, hard drugs, and all forms of crime. The ongoing efforts by SASA aim to ensure that Anambra State is progressively rid of these illicit substances and criminal activities.

We urged Ndi Anambra to always speak up whenever they notice anything untoward in their local environments in any part of the state for immediate action to be taken in order to build a liveable, secure, and prosperous homeland.

— Monday NwokoyeManaging Director of SASA, calling for public cooperation in reporting criminal activities.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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