Niger Delta
NDLEA Intercepts 584.171kg Hard Drugs In Bayelsa … Arrests 559 Suspects
The Bayelsa State Command of Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agency, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says it intercepted 584.171kg of various components of illicit hard drugs in the State within the past one year.
The NDLEA also said about 559 suspects were arrested and 31 cases charged to Court within the same period.
The State’s Commander and Controller of Narcotics, CN Kanu Chukwuemeka, disclosed this during a media parley as part of activities held to commemorate the 2025 World Day against Drug Abuse (WDDA) and Illicit Trafficking in Yenagoa, the State capital, themed ”The Evidence is Clear, Invest in Prevention.”
The Commander described this year’s theme as apt, saying it aligns with the agency’s efforts in creating a drug abuse-free society.
“This year’s WDDA is being celebrated with a clarion call for collective action to combat the menace of substance abuse.
“In the past one year, here in Bayelsa State, the NDLEA has successfully rehabilitated 25 clients with addiction problem. We’ve also conducted 693 integrity drug tests”, he said.
CN Chukwuemeka expressed worries that the non-availability of gunboats was a major setback to effective operations of the agency in the far-flung riverine areas of the state.
He also emphasized that to address the challenges posed by the lack of gunboats for operations in the riverine communities of the state, the Command was intensifying efforts to acquire one to enhance its capacity for effective coverage and patrol those parts of the state.
“The Command is working in synergy with other security agencies to rid the state of banned and illicit drugs and substances.
“We like to express our gratitude to the State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for donating two brand new operational vehicles to the Command.
“We also want to appreciate the support and commitment of the government and people of the State in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking”, the NDLEA boss added.
Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa