NDLEA

NDLEA seizes 1,045kg of Illicit drugs, arrests 420 suspects in Kaduna

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Kaduna State Command has seized 1,045.93 kg of various illicit substances and arrested 420 suspects during the third quarter of the year.

Its commander, Mr Samaila Danmalam, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Kaduna.

Danmalam said, โ€œThe command had within the period under review arrested a total of 420 suspects, comprising 404 males and 16 females.

โ€œThe figure represents both drug dealers, drug users and traffickers.โ€

The commander also disclosed that the command has made seizures of various illicit substances.

He said, โ€œThe illicit substances included Cocaine, Cannabis Sativa, Rohypnol, Tramadol, Methamphetamine, and other psychotropic substances grossly weighing 1,045.93 kg.

โ€œThe command seized a total of 1,393 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and equally seized four locally made arms in the course of its numerous operations in the period being reported.

โ€œThe command equally secured the conviction of 30 drug offenders and charged a total of 54 suspects, while investigations on others are ongoing.โ€

Danmalam said in its non-kinetic approach to combating the drug menace through drug demand reduction activities, the command carried out various sensitization and awareness programmes.

โ€œIt counselled 50 drug users while it rehabilitated 50 drug-dependent persons, who successfully recovered and were reintegrated into mainstream society,โ€ he stated.

He said the command would continue to combat illicit drug trafficking even as he appealed for timely and useful information for quick response and proactive measures.

Last month, NDLEA operatives in Kaduna intercepted consignments of cocaine and pharmaceutical opioids hidden in ladiesโ€™ sanitary pads.