NDLEA apprehends 1,016 suspects, seizes nine tons of illicit drugs in Kano

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, apprehended 1,016 individuals and confiscated nine tons of illicit drugs in Kano State.

Mr. Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, the Commandant of the agency in Kano State, disclosed to the press on Sunday that among the arrested suspects, there were 40 females and 976 males.

He further stated that the agency achieved 102 convictions during the outgoing year, secured the forfeiture of five vehicles, and currently has 104 cases pending in court.

The drugs seized included 6,098kg of Indian hemp, 1,696kg of codeine and tramadol, and 1,335kg of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine.

“We rehabilitated 70 clients, investigated 598 visa clearance applications and conducted 245 substance abuse tests, out of which six persons tested positive for different drug abuses.

“We also sensitised 5,000 individuals and engaged Drug Demand Reduction professionals who counselled 1,459 persons,’’ Idris-Ahmad said.

He mentioned that the command obliterated over 15 tons of diverse narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in 2023.

He reiterated the command’s dedication to securing the well-being and safety of communities by addressing the harmful consequences of drug abuse.

“We will intensify efforts at dismantling drug networks, rehabilitate those in need, secure convictions and destroy illicit substances leaving no room for drug trade to flourish,’’ Idris-Ahmad assured.