The Akwa Ibom Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it secured 59 convictions of drug offenders between July 2022 and May 2023.
The Commander of NDLEA in Akwa Ibom, Mrs Obot Bassey, disclosed this at a news conference in commemoration of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Uyo on Monday.
The theme of the 2023 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse is: “People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention.”
Bassey said that the command, during the period, arrested 239 suspects who engaged in drug trafficking and drug abuse, comprising 197 males and 42 females.
She added that the command seized drugs weighing 1, 465.99kg and counselled 160 persons, who used drugs, treated and rehabilitated 15 clients during the period.
“From last year’s celebration till this moment, NDLEA Akwa Ibom State Command has been committed to saving humanity through its mandate of eliminating illicit drugs from homes and streets through arrests, seizures of illicit drugs.
“Prosecution of drug dealers preventive mechanisms of campaign and awareness creation on the consequences of illicit drugs abuse.
“From July 2022 to May 2023, the State Command arrested a total of 239 suspects made up of 197 males and 42 females. Seized drugs weighing 1, 465.99 kg, convicted 59 drug offenders,” Bassey said.
The state commander said that the drugs commonly abused in the state included Cannabis Sativa, Cocaine, Heroine, Meth and Amphetamine among other psychotropic substance.
Bassey said that prevention was a vital tool against drug abuse, stressing that sensitization and campaign would be used by the command to reduce drug abuse to the barest minimum from the state.
She said the command aimed at increasing awareness about the importance of treating people who use drugs with respect and empathy.
“The campaign also aims to combat stigma and discrimination against attitudes that are respectful and non judgmental.”
She said the command would continue to place sensitization of youths against drug abuse and trafficking in its front burner.
The commander appealed to the State Government, philanthropists and all individuals to join hands with NDLEA to reduce drug abuse and trafficking to the barest minimum in the state.
She called on the state government to assist the command with utility vehicles to patrol the 31 local government areas, especially border areas to curb drug trafficking in the state.
The commander appealed to all Akwa Ibom people to remain drug free to derive optimal health, safety and security for sustained growth of socio economic development and general wellbeing.
