The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Akwa Ibom State Command has seized and destroyed 90 kilograms of illicit drugs substances suspected to be Amphetamine, and others worth N2 billion during routine operations in the state.
The Agency disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, August, 24, at the second public destruction of illicit drug exhibits in the state, according to Punch News.
The Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom, Mr. Moses Ekpo, said the state government will do everything within its power to contribute to the attainment of zero case profile in drug-related offences in the state and Nigeria at large.
“The efforts of the NDLEA have resulted in the increase of drug seizures, arrests and convictions at critical drug corridors across the country.
“The state command of the agency made a recent arrest and seizure of 90 kilograms of substance suspected to be Amphetamine and other seizures recorded during routine operations, with street value estimated at more than N2 billion.
“This has obviously rubbed off on the Akwa Ibom State office, with the result that we have been able to more effectively contain the challenges of drug abuse and illicit trafficking,” he stated.
While appreciating the role and contributions of the United States government and the United Nations to the success story of the agency, he also thanked other security agencies for their support to the work of NDLEA.
The deputy governor urged the federal government to further empower NDLEA with more funding to enable them to not only give support to state offices, but procure needed work tools for a revolution in the fight against unhealthy drug use.
“I call on Nigerians to team up with government in the war against drug-use and illicit trafficking. The negative implications of drug-abuse are far- reaching, including adverse effects on the health of our people, avoidable road accidents and drug-related criminality,” Ekpo appealed.
He opined that if the present tempo of work in fighting the scourge of drug abuse was sustained with cooperation from non- state actors and parents, there would be no more weeds to burn in the near future.
Speaking on behalf of Buba Marwa, the Agency Secretary, Mr. Shedrach Haruna, announced that destruction of illicit drugs totalling 2.768 tonnes seized between 2014 to September 2021.
“The last public destruction of illicit drugs in Akwa Ibom was carried out in 2014 in line with the Agency’s Act which mandates it to take measures for the destruction of seized narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
“The NDLEA is not only involved in arrest and prosecution of drug offenders, but also tackling the scourge through aggressive drug awareness and sensitization programmes targeting the vulnerable youths and other groups,” he added.
He disclosed that the agency recently launched a 24/7 toll-free call centre for members of the public who may need help on drug related matters.
Marwa appreciated the federal and state governments and other partners for their support and determination in kicking drugs out of Nigeria.
