2016: NDLEA arrests 382 suspects, recovers 1.3 tons of illicit drugs in Jigawa
NAN-HG-1
Drugs
By Muhammad Nasir Bashir
Dutse, Dec. Jan. 5, 2017 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it arrested 383 suspects and recovered 1.380,705.7 tons of assorted narcotics between January and December 2016 in Jigawa.
The NDLEA State Commander, Mr Abdullahi Abdul, disclosed this in a statement he issued on Thursday in Dutse.
Abdul said that the command had also convicted 84 drugs suspects to various jail terms within the period under review.
He added that some of the cases were still pending before a Federal High Court, Dutse.
The commandant further explained that the sum of N64,043, two vehicles, including one motorcycle, were forfeited to the Federal Government, being proceeds of drugs.
“The Jigawa command of the NDLEA within 2016, despite challenges faced, has achieved a lot in its drug war viz-a-viz arrest and seizure, prosecution and counselling.
“The command arrested 382 suspects from January to December 2016, while a total seizure quantity of of 1.380.705.7Ton of various types of illicit drugs was made within the period.
“The command also convicted 84 drug suspects to various jail terms, while other cases are still pending before the Federal High Court Dutse,” Abdul said.
According to him, the agency had also conducted Drug Education activities in the state, aimed at educating students and individuals of the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.
“This is in view of the emphasis on Drug Demand Reduction aimed at creating public awareness, rehabilitation of users as well as enhancing activities of NGOs’ involvement in fighting drug menace.
“Drug Free Clubs were also established in various schools within the state,” he explained.
Abdul, therefore, called on the public to always give the command credible information that would assist it in tackling the menace of abuse of illicit drugs.
“The abuse of psychotropic substance and cough syrup is a worrisome development which the command is grappling with.
“Hence the need for all, including the traditional rulers, religious groups and CBOs to join hands in fighting the menace throughout the state,” he urged. (NAN)
MNB/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola