The Kano Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reported the arrest of 1,064 individuals and the seizure of 7.5 tonnes of illicit drugs in the state between June 2022 and June 2023.
According to the NDLEA Acting Public Relations Officer, ASN ll Sadiq Maigatari, the announcement was made to mark the UN International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking in Kano on Saturday. The theme for the year 2023 is “People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention.”
Maigatari emphasized that drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking are global problems that pose significant threats to the health and well-being of individuals and society as a whole. Out of the suspects apprehended, 1,001 were males, while 63 were females.
During the period under review, the total quantity of drugs seized amounted to 7,530.813kg, comprising 5,228.673kg of cannabis, 2,096.837kg of psychotropic substances, 47.013kg of cocaine, and 65.24kg of heroin. The Kano Command also achieved 111 convictions, while 126 cases remain pending in court.
Maigatari further highlighted the Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) activities conducted, which involved admitting 96 clients and conducting 1,081 brief interventions, with 701 males and 380 females receiving assistance.
The NDLEA spokesperson expressed appreciation to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Retired Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa, for his unwavering support, which played a vital role in the agency’s success. He also commended the Kano State government, the Chairmen of Rano and Tudun Wada Local Governments, the Emir of Rano, NGOs, and sister security agencies for their collaborative efforts in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
Maigatari emphasized the agency’s relentless commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse. He called for collective action in addressing this problem, focusing on prioritizing the well-being of individuals. The statement further highlighted the NDLEA’s dedication to enforcing the law and bringing drug traffickers to justice while treating people who use drugs with compassion and respect.
On World Drug Day, Maigatari urged a renewed commitment to eliminating the stigma and discrimination faced by drug users, reinforcing prevention measures, and ensuring that people’s lives come first.
