ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Enugu State Command, has seized 929.463 kilograms of illicit drugs and secured the conviction of 53 drug traffickers in the state within the last eight months.
The seizures, comprising Cannabis Sativa, methamphetamine popularly known as Crystal Meth or “Mkpuru Mmiri” and other prohibited substances, were made between November 2025 and June 2026.
The State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Owoputi Adekunle, disclosed the figures on Friday during the commemoration of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held in Enugu.
The event, organised in collaboration with the Enugu State Government, was themed: “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges and Innovative Response.”
Giving an overview of the command’s activities during the review period, Adekunle said 157 clients received counselling, while another 23 persons were undergoing rehabilitation.
He added that the command also recorded significant achievements in prosecution.
“Our prosecution unit is not left out. A total of 53 suspects have been convicted, while 111 cases are currently pending before the Federal High Court.
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“Apart from the convictions, assets acquired as proceeds of crime were forfeited to the Federal Government.”
The NDLEA commander described drug abuse and illicit trafficking as grave threats to public health, national security and sustainable development, urging all stakeholders to intensify efforts in prevention, public awareness and rehabilitation.
“Drug abuse destroys lives, families and communities. It particularly affects our youth, who are the future of our nation.
“As law enforcement officers, we remain committed to reducing the supply of illicit drugs while working with communities, schools, religious organisations, traditional rulers and other security agencies to promote a drug-free society,” he said.
Adekunle also appealed to members of the public to support the fight against drug abuse by educating others, reporting drug-related activities and assisting rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
Speaking at the event, Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, urged young people to shun drug and substance abuse and instead embrace the numerous economic opportunities being created by his administration.
Represented by the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, the governor said the government had opened up opportunities in agriculture, digital technology and mechanised farming to empower youths and discourage involvement in drug abuse.
“We cannot build the economy with youths who are not hardworking. It is with your brains and physical strength that our economy can grow.
“The consequences of drug abuse are enormous and we must ensure our youths remain productive and contribute meaningfully to economic development”, he said.
Mbah further disclosed that the state government was establishing special adolescent health units as part of measures to tackle drug abuse among young people.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Senior Registrar at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, Dr. Roland Okereke, described substance abuse as a “chronic illness” that destroys lives and limits future opportunities.
Okereke stressed that prevention remains the most effective strategy, noting that many people suffering from substance use disorders delay seeking medical attention because of stigma and limited access to treatment.
He observed that the South-East currently has only one Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital providing specialised treatment for substance use disorders, creating a significant treatment gap across the region.
According to him, the commonly abused substances include alcohol, cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine, hallucinogens and emerging synthetic psychoactive drugs.
He warned that drug abuse fuels rising mortality, crime, violence, terrorism and other social challenges, urging families to avoid stigmatising affected persons and instead encourage them to seek professional treatment.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and Chairman of the Ezeagu Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Emmanuel Anichebe, urged parents to pay greater attention to the upbringing of their children.
He advised parents to build stronger relationships with their children so they could freely discuss their challenges and receive proper guidance before falling under negative peer influence.
On her part, the wife of the Isi-Uzo Local Government Area Chairman in Enugu, Mrs Onyinye Obeagu advised that the best way to curb drug abuse is by keeping children busy with different skills, from age five.
“We need to get our children from primary school because we are focused on secondary school, but forgetting that it has started slipping into primary school”, she said.
Speaking on how to fight drug abuse differently, she said, “increase awareness from these little ones so that we can cut down demand for drugs.
“Because, when there are no more users, you have reduced demand”, she added.
Participants included students, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), government officials and other stakeholders involved in combating drug abuse.
A major highlight of the celebration was the crowning of Governor Peter Mbah as a Drug Abuse Ambassador. Other activities included drama presentations, debates and interactive question-and-answer sessions aimed at promoting awareness against drug abuse.