PH Mundial – Port Harcourt Online Newspaper News Across The Region
Related Articles
… Uncovers Hectare of Cannabis in Community
By Amos Odhe, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has arrested 68 persons suspected to have engaged in sale and consumption of illicit drugs in the state.
This was made known during a press conference held by the command in Yenagoa, the state capital as part of activities to commemorate the 2022 international day against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking which is slated for Monday 26, June.
State commander of the NDLEA, Mr Ali Aminu, highlighted the role of the media as platform for educating and enlightening the public, especially the vulnerable groups on the menace of illicit drug abuse and trafficking.
Ali, who also noted that from the 68 suspects arrested, the command has successfully convicted eight persons, reiterated the agency’s resolve towards getting the state rid of illegal drugs.
He said that following the command’s resilience, no fewer than 34.526kg and 630ml of various classes of illicit drugs and substances had also been seized between January and June this year.
Ali added that from January to June, 2022, through constant intelligence-led raids on black spots and on identified drug dealers, as well as through continuous patrol operations, the command arrested 57 male and 11 female illicit drug suspects, making a total of 68 persons so far arrested by the command this year.
The NDLEA state helmsman said while one hectare of cannabis farm was discovered in Oruama (Yiba-ama) Communitiy of the Ogbia council area of the state in March, the drug demand reduction unit of the command “has also been assiduously discharging its functions.”
Port Harcourt Mundial gathered that the drug demand reduction unit between January and June, 2022 admitted a total of 13 clients, 5 out of the 13, had been successfully treated and discharged, while 8 were still undergoing treatment and rehabilitation, revealing also that the unit had successfully counselled a total of fifty-two arrested persons with a breakdown of forty-four males and eight females, respectively.
Ali commended NDLEA’s chairman/chief executive officer, Brig. General Buba Marwa (rtd), “for repositioning the agency,” adding that the agency’s top helmsman had awaken a new zeal in the personnel of the agency, which has made them rededicate themselves to fighting the scourge of illicit drug abuse and trafficking in the country.
“The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency is the lead agency in the war against illicit substance abuse and trafficking. However, the agency cannot win this war alone. It’s up to all and sundry, individuals, state governments, NGOs, schools and religious bodies. Our sister security agencies and the press too are needed to enable us raise awareness and share information on the cancerous menace of the spectre of illicit substance abuse and trafficking to our persons, immediate environment and nation.
“It is usually said, ‘if you’re not infected, you’re affected,” he said.
