Follow Us on Google
By Desmond Mgboh, Kano
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, has publicly destroyed 12.234 tonnes of assorted illicit narcotics and psychotropic substances in Kano State.
The drugs were intercepted and forfeited through intelligence-led operations across the state and at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
According to the Command, 11,890.427kg of the destroyed substances were seized by the Kano State Strategic Command. The haul comprised 7,799.314kg of cannabis sativa; 2,781.153kg of psychotropic substances, including codeine, tramadol, pentazocine and diazepam; 375.641kg of Exol-5; 367.870kg of pregabalin; 270kg of other substances of abuse; and 200kg of herbal mixtures.
Other drugs destroyed included 79kg of expired drugs, 14.600kg of Quinalbarbitone Sodium BP 100mg, 2.030kg of heroin, 0.446kg of cocaine, 0.127kg of methamphetamine and 0.246kg of pemoline tablets.
An additional 343.519kg of illicit substances destroyed were seized at MAKIA, comprising 322kg of tramadol, 11kg of heroin, 6kg of herbal mixtures and 4.499kg of cocaine.
Other News
In a statement on Monday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Sadiq Mohammed Maigatari, said the seizures resulted from intelligence-led operations, targeted raids and sustained enforcement across the state. He added that investigations uncovered sophisticated concealment methods, including tunnels and caves in the Rimin Kebe area.
Maigatari said that since January, the Command has arrested 904 suspects—869 males and 35 females—seized more than 2.5 tonnes of illicit substances and secured over 54 convictions, with some offenders sentenced to up to 15 years’ imprisonment.
Speaking through Deputy Director-General Dingi, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the public destruction as “justice made visible,” saying it sends a clear message to drug cartels.
He said the exercise reflects the agency’s strategy of combining law enforcement with supply-chain oversight, alternative livelihood programmes for farmers and drug integrity testing in tertiary institutions.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, said the destruction demonstrates the state’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks involved in drug trafficking and protect communities from the harmful effects of illicit drugs.
He stressed that enforcement would be complemented by rehabilitation initiatives, citing the Kiru Rehabilitation Centre, the Anti-Illicit Drugs and Phone Snatching Committee, marshals deployed to crime hotspots and the Safe Corridor Project aimed at reintegrating youths into society.
