The Sokoto State command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 194 suspects over alleged involvement in illicit drug trade in the state in 2020.
Speaking to Caliphate Trust, the Commander, Abdul Abdullahi, said five of the suspects were women.
According to him, 1,993 kilograms of different illicit drugs were recovered from them.
The recoveries, according to the commander included Indian hemp 1,487.864kg; psychotropic substance-403.634kg; heroin-1.550 grams and Amphetamine 19 grams.
He noted that the command had fully rehabilitated nine victims of drug abuse and counselled 98 others.
“The fact is, there is increasing trend in the abuse of drugs among our youths and women which renders many of them unproductive and venturing into so many criminal activities.
“There is hardly any family that is not contending with the challenges of a drug dependent person. It is in the same vein that the entire society is battling with the cases of banditry, kidnapping, thuggery and rape cases,” he said
He called on parents, community leaders and all stakeholders to unite and combat the ugly trend in our society.
“We must try as much as possible to close the gap between’ perception and reality about drug abuse,’’ he said.
