From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna
Niger state Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 73 drug suspects, comprising of 71 males and two female, within the last six months.
The Command also said a total seizure of 1.1 tonnes of hard drugs and psychotropic substances was made in the state within the period under review, which comprises of 927.50 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa, a.k.a. Indian Hemp and 180.90 kilogrammes of psychotropic substances.
The state commander, Abdullahi Abdul disclosed this on Wednesday, during a press briefing to mark the ‘International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking’, held in his office in Minna, Niger state capital.
Abdul further stated that out of the 927.50 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa, there was a singular seizure along Lagos-Kontagora road, of 627 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa in April this year, which was being transported to Sokoto state.
The NDLEA boss said the Command has been able to secure in a Federal High Court, Minna, the conviction of 16 male suspects that were sentenced to various jail terms, while the remaining cases are at various stages of persecution at the court.
On the Demand Reduction Angle,13 persons with cases of drug related health problems were admitted from January to June 2014 for counselling, treatment and rehabilitation depending on the cases, he said.
Abdul however appealed to Parents to advise their wards to stay out of drugs and engage in meaningful things that will benefit them in future.
He said, “Niger state command is working tirelessly towards the eradication of drugs in the state”.
