Follow Us on Google
From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The Edo State Commandant, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr Buba Obadiah Wakawa, said on Monday that the Command has counselled and rehabilitated 257 drug-dependent clients and reunited them with their families
He disclosed this in Benin while marking the international day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with the theme, “Drug Challenges in Health and Humanitarian Crisis”.
Besides, he said the command equally secured 58 convictions while 76 cases are still pending in the federal high court.
The NDLEA commandant stated that over the period of one year, many grounds were covered in the Command’s quest to get the state rid of hard drugs.
“I would like to intimate you with some of our sterling performances for the period of June 2021-June 2022.
“My command made a total arrest of 374 suspects that comprised 281 males and 93 females which is approximately 75.134 per cent males to 24.866 per cent females, with a total of seizure of Psychotropic substances amounting to 26,960.593kg, with Cannabis Sativa farms with a cumulative measurement of 63.84125 hectares were destroyed”, he said.
Speaking also the Chairman, Edo State Drug Control Committee (ESDCC), Prof Obehi Akoria, stated this year’s theme is “Addressing Drug Challenges in Health and Humanitarian Crises” is informed by the need to look at the drug problem through the lens of public health and tackle it as a broader social problem rather than through the conventional, narrow, criminal matter approach cannot be overemphasised.
Prof Akoria, represented by Sede Edith, Secretary, Edo State, Drug Control Committee, said drug trafficking is an international illegal trade that involves the production, cultivation, dissemination and sale of prohibited substances.
Akoria said drug and substance abuse has become a major public health challenge confronting youths and the entire world, pointing out that the menace of this social vice is far-reaching and millions are being dragged into the black hole unknown to them.
She said since its inception, the committee has achieved a lot ranging from sensitisation and advocacy campaign in schools and public gatherings, setting up of drug-free clubs in secondary schools and participating in the National Sports Festival hosted in the state in 2021.
She said to mark this year’s UN International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, ESDCC has embarked on a weeklong programme of activities to re-echo the message and strengthen their collaborations with the civil-based and faith-based organisations in this all-important and ‘must win’ fight.
