The Kaduna State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced significant achievements in its fight against drug trafficking and abuse during the third quarter of the year.
According to the command, its operatives seized over 1,045.93 kilograms of various illicit substances and arrested a total of 420 suspects in connection with drug-related crimes.
This was disclosed by the NDLEA Kaduna State Commander, Mr. Samaila Danmalam, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Thursday, 3 October, 2024.
He explained that the arrests comprised 404 male suspects and 16 female suspects, including drug dealers, users, and traffickers.
“The command, within the period under review, arrested a total of 420 suspects, comprising 404 males and 16 females,” Danmalam said. “This figure includes both drug dealers, drug users, and traffickers.”
In addition to the arrests, the command made substantial seizures of a variety of illegal substances.
Danmalam detailed that the confiscated substances included cocaine, cannabis sativa, rohypnol, tramadol, methamphetamine, and other psychotropic drugs. Altogether, these substances weighed 1,045.93 kilograms.
“The command seized a total of 1,393 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and equally confiscated four locally made firearms during its numerous operations conducted within this period,” Danmalam added.
In terms of legal actions, Danmalam revealed that the command secured the conviction of 30 drug offenders, while a total of 54 suspects have been formally charged to court. He added that investigations on other arrested suspects are ongoing.
Beyond enforcement, the NDLEA Kaduna State Command has also employed a non-kinetic approach to combat the drug problem through drug demand reduction strategies.
These initiatives include sensitization and awareness programs aimed at reducing drug abuse.
Danmalam mentioned that the command counseled 50 drug users during this period and successfully rehabilitated another 50 drug-dependent individuals, who have since recovered and been reintegrated into society.
“The command will continue its efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking and abuse,” Danmalam affirmed, while also appealing to the public to provide timely and useful information that would aid the agency in responding swiftly and taking proactive measures against drug crimes.
The NDLEA Kaduna Command remains committed to intensifying its operations to reduce the availability and consumption of illicit drugs, as well as to bring drug offenders to justice.
