Kaduna State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has stated that 1,005 people have been arrested and 13,623.204 kg of illegal narcotics have been seized throughout 2023.

While assessing the agency’s operations for the previous year, Mr. Samaila Danmalam, the State Commander of the organization, revealed these numbers to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Kaduna.

According to him, the organization detained 1,005 people, of whom 965 were men and 40 were women, and found 13,623.204 kg (13.6 tons) of illegal drugs.

Cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, tramadol, cannabis sativa, and other psychoactive narcotics were among the items collected.

During same time, the agency also dismantled 186 illegal drug dens.

Danmalam added that 19 vehicles were forfeited, 153 people were charged in court, and 57 drug offenders were found guilty as a result of the command.

In addition, the command treated some 200 drug users and rehabbed 42 drug-dependent people as part of its efforts to reduce drug demand. In addition, it ran 34 campaigns and activities to raise awareness of drug misuse and illegal trafficking, reaching 47,615 individuals throughout the state.

Danmalam called on the public to reject drug misuse and illicit trafficking in order to support the fight against the drug pandemic, highlighting the wider societal effects of drug addiction. He asked the populace to maintain their vigilance and promptly notify the leadership of any illicit drug activity.

Danmalam expressed appreciation for the support received by the command from the state government, royal fathers, sister agencies, non-governmental organizations, the media, and the populace. He also asked for continued cooperation in the fight against drug misuse and trafficking.

(NAN)