NDLEA arrests 159 suspects in Enugu

 Chris Oji, Enugu

THE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Enugu state command made a total of 159 arrests in drug related offences between January and November this year.

Out of the number, 59 of them have been convicted while others are at various stages of prosecution at the Federal High Court.

This was disclosed by the commander, NDLEA Enugu, Adeyemi Adefoye at the Ember months drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking awareness campaign held yesterday in Enugu.

Adefoye also hinted that within the period the command seized 2.379 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa, 100 kilogrammes of ephedrine, 836 grammes of methamphetamine and 78.93 grammes of cocaine.

He said cannabis sativa (hemp) and alcohol had the highest rate of prevalence and their abuse has become so rampant and common in both urban and rural areas.

Other drugs like drugs like the psychoactive ones – tramadol, Valium, Richie, rubber solutions and the most recent and deadliest, methamphetamine among others cannot also be ignored, the commander disclosed.

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Adefoye admonished: “Based on these issues so far outlined, there is the dire need for the various segments of the society to put in their best by coming together constructively and collectively to ensure that we have a drug free society.

“There is the need for vigorous campaigns, sensitisation and crusade against drug abuse and illicit trafficking of drugs.

“Every one of us has a duty as a father, mother, brother or sister, man or woman, businessman, farmer or law enforcement officer, politician, civil servant, religious/community leader, stui and our esteemed gentlemen of the press have role to play in achieving this.”

The Enugu state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuany who was represented by his Special Adviser on special duties, Uwakwe Azikiwe praised the NDLEA for organising the awareness campaign.

Ugwuanyi called on families, schools and other institutions to create awareness on drug abuse.

He was of the view that the dangers of drugs abuse do not only affect the abuser but to an extension his relations.