The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has said that the agency has arrested 463 suspects allegedly involved in drug trafficking in Edo State between June 2022 and May 2023.
The State NDLEA Commander, Buba Wakawa disclosed this on Monday in Benin while speaking with journalists as part of activities commemorating the United Nations Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking of drugs with the theme “people first, stop stigma and discrimination strengthen prevention”.
Represented by the Deputy Commander, Emmanuel Ejiko, the agency also secured the conviction of 42 drug traffickers in the state within the period under review, adding that 92 cases against drug traffickers are still pending in the Federal High Court.
He added, “I can tell you that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested 463 suspects allegedly involved in drug trafficking in Edo State from June 2022 and May 2023.
“The command also seized 38,337.2889 kilograms and destroyed 40 cannabis farms measuring 67.5 hectares across Edo State. We have also rehabilitated 362 drug dependants and reintegrated them back to their families while 18 vehicles used for illicit drug trafficking were seized.”
Wakawa said the command has waged the War Against Drug Abuse through sensitization and awareness that hinges on the danger of substance use and trafficking.
He also identified the shortage of operational vehicles, poor office accommodation and the unwillingness of the people to give useful information to the agency for an an effective war against drug abuse.
Wakawa assured that the agency would continue to wage war against drug abusers and drug traffickers until the state is rid of the menace.
He said to ensure the effectiveness of the fight against drug abuse, the agency has decorated the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, among others as Grand ambassador, to help sensitize the youths.
