ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has destroyed illicit drugs worth N2 billion, between 2014 and September 2021.
The NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, represented by the Agency’s Secretary, Mr Shedrach Haruna, noted that the drugs were seized in Akwa Ibom State.
He stated this in Uyo, the state capital when he paid a courtesy call on the state Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo on Thursday.
Marwa said the total quantity of drugs seized within the period was 2.768 tonnes, which included cannabis sativa, cocaine, heroin and other psychotropic substances.
He said the agency would continue to exploit all avenues within the ambit of the law to rid the country of the menace of hard drugs.
Marwa said the NDLEA was also involved in aggressive drug awareness and sensitisation programmes targeting vulnerable youths and other groups.
He noted that the agency recently launched a 24/7 toll-free call centre for members of the public who may need help on drug-related matters.
The Chairman said the agency has been establishing Drug-Free Clubs in schools, as part of advocacy to curb the menace of drug abuse and trafficking nationwide.
Marwa appreciated the Federal and State governments and other partners for their support and determination to kick illicit drugs out of Nigeria.
He requested land from the state government for the construction of NDLEA barracks in Uyo.
In his remarks, the Deputy Governor said the state government would support the NDLEA to attain zero case profile in drug-related offences in the state.
He said the performance of the NDLEA has been very positive and pledged that the state government would sustain its collaboration with the Agency.
Ekpo further commended Marwa for providing inspirational leadership, which had impacted positively on the Agency’s performance nationwide.