NDLEA arrests 559 suspects, secures 128 convictions in Anambra

The Anambra State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its campaign against illicit drugs, reporting significant successes over the past 11 months. The command announced the arrest of 559 suspects and the securing of 128 convictions, underscoring its commitment to disrupting the drug trade in the state.

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Since I came into the command about 11 months ago, we have made seizures of more than a tonne of different categories of drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine and cannabis.

State Commander Charles Onubogu revealed that the arrested individuals included 475 males and 84 females, apprehended for various drug-related offenses. During this period, the NDLEA seized a substantial quantity of illicit substances, totaling approximately 1.8 tonnes. This haul included dangerous drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and cannabis, highlighting the scale of the challenge faced.

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In all, about 1.8 tonnes of illicit substances have been recovered, with a total of 559 suspects arrested and 128 convictions secured within the last 11 months.

Beyond enforcement, the NDLEA is actively involved in rehabilitation efforts. Within the same 11-month timeframe, 102 individuals battling substance abuse, comprising 99 males and three females, underwent rehabilitation. Many of these individuals also participated in vocational skills acquisition programs, including soap making and tailoring, to aid their reintegration into society. The command also provided counseling and quick intervention services to numerous other drug users.

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What we are mainly after are drug dealers. People who use drugs have problems and we need to help them. They are taken through intervention and counselling programmes to guide them on how to stay off drugs.

Onubogu stressed the importance of a multi-faceted approach, balancing the disruption of drug supply chains with efforts to reduce demand through public awareness, counseling, and rehabilitation. He called for broader collaboration, stating that the fight against drug abuse and trafficking cannot be left to the NDLEA alone. The commander urged the media, civil society organizations, and the public to utilize their platforms to spread awareness and combat the menace.

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The fight against drugs abuse and trafficking can’t be left to the NDLEA alone. All hands must be on deck to battle the scourge.