From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, yesterday, announced that it arrested 463 suspects allegedly involved in drug trafficking in the state between June 2022 and May 2023.
The State Commander, Buba Wakawa, announced this while speaking with journalists as part of activities marking the United Day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking of drugs with the theme “people first, stop stigma and discrimination strengthen prevention”.
Represented by the Deputy Commander, Emmanuel Ejiko, Wakawa also disclosed that the agency secured the conviction of 42 drug traffickers in the state within the period under review, adding that 92 cases against drug traffickers are still pending in the Federal High Court.
“The command also seized 38,337.2889 kilograms and destroyed 40 cannabis farms measuring 67.511507 hectares across Edo state. We have also rehabilitated 362 drug dependants and reintegrated back to their families while 18 vehicles used for illicit drug trafficking were seized”, Wakawa said and explained that the command has waged the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) through sensitization and awareness about the danger of substance use and trafficking.
He said to ensure the effectiveness of the fight against drug abuse, the agency has decorated the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, among others as Grand and WADA ambassador, to help in sensitizing the youths.
The NDLEA Commander identified shortage of operational vehicles, poor office accommodation and unwillingness of the people to give useful information to the agency for effective war against drug abuse.
He assured that the agency would continue to wage drug war against drug abusers and drug traffickers until the state is rid of the menace.