The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Thursday reports the seizure of illegal substances including Cannabis, tramadol, pentazocine, diazepam, and cocaine.
According to Umar Yakuza, the Commander of NDLEA Plateau Command, the agency confiscated three tons (3,122.730 kg) of illegal substances across Plateau State in 2023, valued at N100 million.
In an interview in Jos on Thursday, information regarding the seized items was made public. Specifically, marijuana made up 70% of the illegal substances acquired, with the other medical supplies having become misused substances like tramadol, pentazocine, diazepam, and cocaine
Yahuza added that in 2023, the command personnel apprehended 1,155 individuals including 1,076 men and 79 women. 96 individuals were charged to court and obtained judicial sentences with a couple of addicts given short counselling from the command. The Commander disclosed.
Search operations as disclosed by the Commander were carried out at 97 public locations including worship centres, educational institutions, marketplaces and motorized parks.
The move was driven as part of the NDLEA War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) scheme.
He expressed his regret over the growing issues of illegal substances being undertaken as a commercial venture among young people using cars and motorcycles to transport illegal. Yahuza urged caregivers to provide adequate counsel to their wards about the dangers of drug usage and trafficking.