Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Anambra State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says a total of 2.8557 tons of drugs have been seized between June 2023 to June 2024 in the state.
Also announced was the arrest of 360 suspects, prosecution of 197 and counselling/rehabilitation of 258 between the same period.
State Commander, Onyishi Daniel Ogbonna, made the disclosure at the United Nations Day For Drug and Illicit substances abuse, themed, “The Evidence Is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”
He said the feats were achieved through morale boost of officers by NDLEA Chairman Chief Executive Officer Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa and Prof Chukwuma Soludo-led administration who had been supportive with logistics.
He restated the Command’s unwavering commitment in combating drug menace, saying, “we believe that the best prevention is to ensure that illicit drugs are not available.”
He added, “This year’s commemoration is to raise awareness for a joined hand approach for effective prevention strategies. It calls for collaboration by government, public/private organisations and individuals for greater investment in prevention efforts.
“I call on ‘NDI-Anambra’, especially the President-Generals of communities to strengthen the existing security structure to make their communities uncomfortable for drug dealers.
“The command is willing and available not only to professionally handle the information you provide on the drug activities in your areas but also ready to sensitise your youths on the inherent dangers of drug abuse/trafficking.
“It is recommended that “Drug Wards” be established in all Government General Hospitals for the proper management of drug users to avoid dependency. This will take care of the challenge of non-availability of treatment centres for the drug challenge. The services in such centres should be affordable.”
