International Drug Day Abuse: We Have Arrested Indian-hemp Of Over 28M In Adamawa – NDLEA

International Drug Day Abuse: We Have Arrests Indian-Hemp Of Over 28M In Adamawa -NDLEA

From Muh’d Shafi’u Saleh

The Adamawa state commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency CN Agboalu Femi Samson, has made the significant striders in the operation in the year under review, the agency has arrested Indian-hemp of 28.470, 000, in the state, the commander said in a Press briefing in Yola on Friday.

The Press briefing, is part of the this week activities to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit trafficking 2024, the theme for this year is “The Evidence is Clear, Invest in Prevention”.

The commander said “as we reflect on this theme, it is clear that investing in prevention is a strategic approach that promises long-term benefits, Evidence has shown that prevention programs can significantly reduce the initiation of drug use, thereby reducing the burden on law enforcement and the healthcare system.

“By focusing on education, awareness, and early intervention, we can protect our communities, particularly the youth, from the devastating effects of drug abuse” .

In addition to alignment with this theme, the NDLEA Adamawa State Command has organized series of activities throughout the week to raise awareness and promote preventive measures against drug abuse. On Friday, June 21, we commence with a press briefing followed by Jumma’at prayers.

Speaking about the achievements of NDLEA from June 2023 to June 2024 the commander said “From June 2023 to June 2024 we have yielded significant results, We have secured the convictions of 148 individuals, comprising 145 males and 3 females, a notable increase from the 115 convictions recorded between June 2022 and June 2023.

“The highest sentences handed down were 10 and 5 years imprisonment, with the least being 6 months, in terms of asset forfeiture, we have successfully obtained the final forfeiture of 4 vehicles and interim forfeiture of 3 additional vehicles, as well as a house consisting of 3 rooms located in Ngurore, Yola South LGA.

“Monetary forfeiture has also seen an increase, with the sum of #851,153 forfeited to the Federal Government and deposited into the Treasury Single Account (TSA), compared to #729,480 in the previous year.

“We have recorded a total of 454 arrests (447 males and 7 females), reflecting a 9.38% decrease from the 501 arrests made in the previous year. However, our drug seizures have significantly increased, with a total of 4,732.128 kg of hard drugs confiscated, a 75% increase from the 1,164.750 kg seized between June 2022 and June 2023.

“These seizures include a range of substances such as Cannabis Sativa, Methamphetamine (ice), Cocaine, Tramadol, Exol-5, Diazepam tablets, Codeine-based syrup, Rohypnol tablets, and Pentazocine injections. Our Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) efforts have also been fruitful, with 107 residential clients treated, counseled, and rehabilitated, and 2 trafficking 22 clients receiving brief intervention counseling.

“Furthermore, our WADA sensitization program has reached a total of 47,372 individuals through 80 sensitization activities conducted in schools, communities, workplaces, and faith-based organizations, reflecting our comprehensive approach to drug prevention and education” he said

The commander also praised the support given by the governor of the state, Rt Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri CON, to the agency in the fight against drug trafficking in the state, for his unwavering support and commitment to our cause.

He said “His Excellency’s dedication to creating a safer and healthier environment for our citizens has been instrumental in the successes we have achieved this far. We are deeply grateful for his leadership and encouragement.