NDLEA arrests 244 drug trafficker suspects, convicts 21 in one year

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The National Drug Law Enforcement (NDLEA), Akwa Ibom Command says the Command has arrested 244 suspects and convicted 21 of them between July 2020 and June 2021. 

The State Commander of NDLEA, Mrs Obot Bassey, disclosed this during a press briefing marking the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 2021 in Uyo on Monday.

Obot said out of the 244 suspects arrested, 214 were male suspects and 30 were female suspects that were involved in various drug offences.

She said that apart from the 21 convictions secured, 23 cases were still pending and were undergoing prosecution at different stages in Courts.

The state commander added that a total of 600kg of drug were seized during the period, which included Cannabis sativa, Cocaine, Heroin and Psychotropic substances.

She said that efforts must be prioritised to sensitise and create awareness on the devastating consequences of drug abuse and Illicit trafficking on youths and society.

“The data for the year under review shows that there is an increase in the number of seizures recorded as compared to 562kg of drug seized between July 2019 and June 2020,” she said.

Obot called on youths to desist from using drug, stressing that the consequences of drug abuse could be devastating and damaging to the body organs.

She added that impacts of illicit trafficking were severe and could lead to systemic crimes and violence in the society.

“The consequences of drug abuse comes in various ways. They may be in the form of physical consequences such as health challenges, organ damage or failures, injuries due to accidents, mental challenges due to depression and other psychological dysfunctions.

“The impacts of illicit trafficking are severe. It may lead to systemic crime and violence becoming endemic in affected countries. Traffickers may also attempt to corrupt public officials to protect them from the law, ” Obot said.

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. 

She commended the Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom for a donation of a brand-new Hilux vehicle to support the agency and other partners for their contributions.