NDLEA arrests 218 suspects, seizes 1,471kg drugs in Imo

NDLEA arrests 218 suspects, seizes 1,471kg drugs in Imo

Ahead of the 2022 World International Anti-Drug Day, the Imo State Command of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency says it has arrested 218 drug suspects comprising 171 males and 47 females, adding that 1,471.314kg of drugs were seized between July 2021 and June 2022.

Speaking on Thursday during the instance of the year 2022 International Day Against Drug Abuse and illicit drugs trafficking, tagged, “Addressing the Drug Challenges in Health and Humanitarian Crises,” the Imo State NDLEA Commandant, Mr. Reuben Apeh, stated that many of the arrested suspects were arraigned and convicted for drug-related offences at the Federal High Court.

He said, “Within the period covered, 51 were convicted and 145 were charged and their cases are still ongoing”.

Apeh stated that the drug situation in Imo was worrisome as he said that women had joined the drug trade to make ends to their financial crises.

He further said that 1,458.49kg of cannabis sativa, 10,513kg of cocaine, 0.2077kg of heroin, 3.896kg of methamphetamine, and 3.184kg of tramadol were exhibited seized during the period under review.

Apeh, however, said that cannabis farm in hectares was also destroyed in Imo just as he added that 0.5278kg of Rohypnol and 2.5135kg of diazepam were also among the seized exhibits.

He regretted that activity of the drug peddlers had been alarming in the state among the younger segment of the state population.

He called on the stakeholders to partner with the NDLEA to sensitise society on the dangers of drug abuse.