The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kaduna State Command recently announced that its operatives have successfully seized a significant total of 1,045.93 kilograms of different illicit drugs and have made 420 arrests during the third quarter of this year.
Commander Mr. Samaila Danmalam shared these crucial updates during a press briefing with news reporters on Thursday in Kaduna, highlighting the ongoing efforts of the agency in their fight against drug-related crimes.
Danmalam stated that during the time period in question, the command managed to apprehend a total of 420 suspects. This group consisted of 404 males and 16 females, showing a notable number of individuals involved in various aspects of drug-related activities. According to the Commander, these figures reflect a combination of drug dealers, users, and traffickers who are involved in the illegal trade and substance abuse.
In addition to the arrests, Commander Danmalam also revealed that his team had successfully seized numerous types of illicit substances during their operations. These substances included well-known drugs such as Cocaine, Cannabis Sativa, Rohypnol, Tramadol, Methamphetamine, and other psychotropic substances, all of which collectively weighed an impressive 1,045.93 kilograms.
Furthermore, the command also seized a total of 1,393 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, along with four locally made firearms. These seizures were part of the many operations carried out by the NDLEA in the reporting period, which underscores their ongoing commitment to combating not just trafficking but also associated criminal activities.
In addition to these enforcement actions, the NDLEA also reported the successful conviction of 30 drug offenders and noted that 54 suspects have been formally charged with various offenses related to drugs. Ongoing investigations are being conducted into additional cases, indicating that the agency remains proactive in addressing drug-related crimes comprehensively.
Danmalam emphasized that the NDLEA is not only focused on enforcement but also adopts a non-kinetic approach to tackling the drug problem. This involves implementing drug demand reduction strategies through various public awareness and sensitization programs. As part of these efforts, the command provided counseling to 50 drug users and has rehabilitated another 50 individuals who were dependent on drugs. These individuals successfully completed their rehabilitation and have been reintegrated back into society, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to recovery and support for those affected by drug abuse.
The Commander concluded by reiterating the ongoing commitment of the NDLEA to continue fighting against illicit trafficking. He also made an appeal for the public to provide timely and valuable information that can assist the agency in responding quickly and taking proactive measures to combat drug-related crimes effectively.