The Kano Command of the Anti-Narcotics agents in Nigeria, the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has intercepted over seven tons of illicit drugs since the lockdown commenced in the ancient city, occasioned by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
The NDLEA Commander in Kano, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul revealed this on Thursday in Kano, while briefing newsmen on the commemoration of 2020 International Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
According to him, within the lockdown period, the command had intercepted 7.8 73.937 kilograms of various illicit drugs, which is an increase from the past.
“Even though the COVID-19 pandemic takes its toll on the operational activities of the command, over 1.2 tonnes of various illegal drugs were seized in the month of May only”
“The NDLEA had also seized 4,374.629 kilograms of Cannabis Savita, 699.213 kilograms of Psychotropic, 87 kilograms of cocaine and eight kilograms of Heroin.”
Abdul explained that, within the lockdown period, the command had also seized a vehicle loaded with compressed suspected dried weed of Cannabis sativa weighing 283 kilograms at Wudil, on transit to Bauchi State.
“A very concerted sting Operation was also conducted along Kano-Zaria road, where a Toyota Sequoia jeep was intercepted, and two suspects were arrested with 300 blocks of compressed Cannabis Savita weighing 223 kilograms were also seized.”
“A syndicate of Baron dealing in Cocaine was unbundled by our team, where male and female suspects were apprehended with cocaine weighing 100 grams,” said Abdul.
According to him, from June 2019 to date, the agency in Kano had arrested 565 suspects, out of which 16 are females.
“We have so far secured the conviction of 85 suspects, while six cases are still pending before the Federal High Court in Kano.”
“During the period under review, 34 regular clients were counselled and rehabilitated, while 723 suspects were referred for brief intervention,” Abdul said.
The NDLEA boss mentioned lack of adequate manpower, shortage of logistics, inadequate facilities to accommodate addicts that require counselling and rehabilitation as some of their challenges.
Other challenges he mentioned include, inadequate community participation in fighting against drug abuse and trafficking.
According to him, addressing the above logistics and financial problems will go a long way in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
While commending the state government, traditional leaders, other sister agencies, media and stakeholders, Abdul called on the public to continue to give them necessary support. (VON)
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