The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says it seized a total of 358.715 kilogrammes of cannabis, popularly known as India Hemp, in Enugu State in 2015.The State Commander, Mr Anthony Ohanyere, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Thursday, that the command arrested 99 suspects within the period.
Ohanyere said that the command also fully rehabilitated and counselled 16 drug paddlers, who were re-integrated with their families.
He noted that the agency’s fight against drug abuse and peddling had led to the reduction of crime in Enugu state and made it “one of the most secured states in the country”.
“There is a reduction in the number of seizures and arrests made last year (2015), compared with 2014.
“We had 358.715 kilogrammes of cannabis and 99 arrests in 2015, as against 1,009.797 kilogrammes and 174 arrests in 2014.
“This shows enormous work in terms of campaign, outreaches and partnership the command had done to achieve this reduction in the overall scale in 2015, “ he said.
The commander said that the agency had opened six area offices so that its activities would be felt in the hinterlands and the very rural communities.
“We have intensified our reach both on enforcement and enlightenment at the grassroots since drug abuse is not a cosmopolitan thing again.
“We are also partnering with well meaning Nigerians and prominent people in each community, to reduce the use of drugs and advise youths on better alternatives, “ he said.
He said that the command did not seize any heroin or cocaine last year.
“Some of the cocaine and heroin seized last year came through the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, which is under a distinctive airports command.’’
Ohanyere appealed to the state government, council authorities and communities to complement the Federal Government’s efforts by supporting the fight against drug use and paddling.
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