Ilorin, Dec. 30, 2024 – The Kwara Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested 929 persons for hard drugs-related offences in 2024.
Mrs Fatima Popoola, the state Commander, said this in Ilorin on Monday while briefing journalists.
She said the seized drugs weighed about 2,642,103 kilogrammes.
Popoola said those arrested included 839 men and 90 women, adding that the command was making efforts to break the drug supply chain within state.
“The seized drugs include cannabis, tramadol, diazepam, methamphetamine, cough syrup laced with codeine, and cocaine/crack.
“Cannabis tops the list of seized drugs accounting for 1,455,529 kilograms, so the state is in dire need of intervention to solve the hydra-headed challenges of abuse and trafficking in cannabis.
“The mop-up of 1.5 tonnes of cannabis is a big saviour to parents and the good people of the state, if not, the destructive effects of the drugs could have been devastating,” she said.
Popoola said that 185 hard drug users were apprehended and referred to the drug demand reduction unit for brief interventions, and were re-integrated with their families.
“In addition to the intervention efforts, 22 clients were admitted to our rehabilitation facility with other 17 clients who are non-residential, coming from their homes for counselling.
“The prosecution and legal service unit secured 133 convictions from the Federal High Court, Ilorin, which involved 123 males and 10 females, while more cases were charged, but still pending,” she said.
Popoola also said 14 vehicles and 12 motorcycles used by the suspects in drug crimes and monies seized were forfeited to the federal government.
