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From Obinna Odogwu, Awka
The Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency (SASA) has destroyed hard drugs worth about N50 million. The drugs were recovered from the traffickers during a major crackdown on the peddlers in Awka, the state capital, and its environs.
Managing Director of SASA, Monday Nwokoye, in his speech during the destruction of the seized drugs, said that the operation which led to the arrest of several suspected drug dealers and buyers, was one of the agency’s most significant anti-drug raids in recent history.
The SASA boss disclosed that the raid targeted several locations allegedly being used as distribution points for illicit drugs. He said that during the operation, the operatives recovered a large quantity of dangerous substances from the suspects’ hideouts, including meth locally known as Mkpulummili, cocaine, cannabis (weed), loud, and other prohibited narcotics.
The agency stated that the suspects were apprehended while allegedly engaging in the sale and purchase of the illicit substances. The seized drugs, with an estimated street value of N50 million, were confiscated before being publicly destroyed by fire to ensure they would not find their way back into circulation.
SASA further disclosed that after preliminary investigations, the suspects were arraigned before a competent court and remanded in a correctional facility, pending the continuation of legal proceedings.
The SASA boss, Nwokoye, reaffirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment to eliminating drug abuse, touting, and other criminal activities across the state. He appealed to residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would aid in the fight against crime.
“When you see something, say something,” he urged.
Nwokoye also expressed appreciation to the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for his continuous support in strengthening security across the state. He described the governor’s vision of eradicating touting and restoring public order as a transformational agenda that is already producing positive results.
The SASA Managing Director assured residents that the agency would not relent in its efforts until criminal activities associated with drug abuse and touting are drastically reduced across the state.
He issued a strong warning to individuals involved in the production, distribution, sale, or consumption of hard drugs, stressing that SASA would continue to track down offenders wherever they operate.
He said the abuse and trafficking of hard drugs remain major drivers of touting, theft, violent crimes, and other forms of social disorder. He emphasised that the destruction of the seized narcotics was a deliberate measure aimed at protecting society and preventing the illegal substances from re-entering the market.
Nwokoye reaffirmed SASA’s commitment to working closely with the state government, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and other security agencies to build a safer, healthier, and crime-free society for all residents of the state.
