The Bayelsa State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement agency (NDLEA) says it has arrested 68 persons suspected to have engaged in sale and addiction to illicit drugs in the state.
The Tide learnt this during a press briefing held by the state command of the agency in Yenagoa, the state capital as part of activities commemorating the 2022 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking which holds officially on Sunday, 26th, June.
In his briefing, the state commander of the NDLEA, Mr Ali Aminu stated that meeting with the press became necessary as according to him, the media serves as a platform to educate as well as enlighten the general public, especially the vulnerable groups on the menace of illicit drug abuse and trafficking.
Ali, who also noted that from the 68 Suspects arrested, the command has successfully convicted eight persons, reiterated the command’s resolve towards getting the state rid-of illegal drugs, reassuring that following the command’s resilience, no fewer than 34.526kg and 630ml of various classes of illicit drugs and substances have also been seized by the command between January and June this year.
He hinted that from January to June, 2022, through constant intelligence-led raids on black spots and on identified drug dealers as well as through continuous patrol operations, the command arrested 57 males and 11 females illicit drug suspects, making it a total of 68 persons so far arrested by the command in the year.
He said while one hectare of cannabis farm was discovered in Oruama (Yiba-ama) Community of the Ogbia Council Area of the state in March, the drug demand reduction unit of the command he stated, has also been assiduously discharging its functions.
The state’s NDLEA helmsman noted that the drug demand reduction unit between January and June,2022 admitted a total of 13 clients, 5 out of the 13 he said, have been successfully treated and discharged, while eight were still undergoing treatment and rehabilitation, revealing also that the unit has successfully counselled a total of 52 arrested persons with a breakdown of males and eight females, respectively.
Ali commended the Chairman/Chief executive officer of the agency, Brig. General Buba Marwa(rtd) for repositioning the agency, saying the chief executive of the agency has brought in a new zeal into the personnel of the agency which has made them rededicated themselves to fighting the scourge of illicit drug abuse and trafficking in the country.
“The national drug law enforcement agency is the lead agency in the war against illicit substance abuse and trafficking. However, the agency cannot win this war alone.
“It’s up to all and sundry, individuals, state governments, NGOs, Schools and religious bodies. Our Sister security agencies and the press too are needed to enable us raise awareness and share information on the cancerous menace of the spectre of illicit substance abuse and trafficking to our persons, immediate environment and nation.
“ It is usually said, ‘if you’re not infected, you’re affected’ “, the NDLEA commander said.

By: Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa