NDLEA seizes 1,355kg of hard drugs in Anambra

 By Vincent Ujumadu

AWKA — THE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, seized 1355.4 kilogrammes of hard drugs, including Indian hemp, cocaine and heroine in Anambra State between January and June this year.

State Commander of NDLEA, Mr. Timiniore Zikiye, who gave the figure, also disclosed that 177 drug suspects were arrested within the same period, adding that some of them had been charged to court.

He, however, regretted that delays in the court processes have not enabled the agency to arraign some of the convicts.

Zikiye spoke at a ceremony to mark this year’s United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking at the Onitsha office of the agency, weekend.

He called for support to NDLEA to enable it carry out its assignment and commended Governor Peter Obi for the assistance to the agency, including donation of a utility vehicle which has helped to enhance the movement of staff.

Obi, who was present at the ceremony, said the state government would set up Drug Abuse Control Vanguards in all secondary schools in the state.

According to him, the initiative is part of measures by government to fight drug abuse and its associated ills.

He spoke of the need for collective efforts in the fight against drug abuse, noting that extending the battle to schools would give the children proper orientation and enlightenment to protect them from dangers of drugs and consequences of using them.

He observed that drug abuse was responsible for all forms of crime confronting the society today, adding that its control would help eliminate crime.

He promised that his administration would continue to give the NDLEA all necessary support and encouragement to sustain its operations and commended its officials for the good work they were doing.