NDLEA arrests 2,119 suspects in Kano in 2 years — Commander

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it has arrested 2,119,  suspects in Kano State since 2018.

NDLEA commander in the state, Dr Ibrahim Abdul, disclosed this on Wednesday, in Kano, while briefing newsmen on his achievements from 2018 to date.

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Abdul, who had been redeployed to the agency’s headquarters, said out of the figure, the agency secured the convictions of 205 suspects.

“During the period under review, the agency was able to intercept 13,505.587kgs of different exhibits, due to the relentless efforts of our officers.

“We were able to intercept 10,032.109kg of cannabis sativa, 3,412.268kg of psychotropic substances and 3.171kg of cocaine.

“Within the period, our officers were also able to intercept 60.000kg of Khat, a substance imported into the country, and also intercepted 0.039kg of heroin.’’

The command also counselled 1,619 drug users and destroyed 28,167.629kg of illicit drugs.

“During my stay in office, for the first time in the history of the command, we discovered and destroyed two cannabis sativa plantations at Wailari in the Kumbotso Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

“We also discovered a clandestine laboratory at Eastern bypass in Nasarawa LGA, where cough syrup with codeine were produced.

“Within the period, Kano State recorded a significant improvement in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) ranking from sixth to first position, in terms of abuse and trafficking.

“During the period, we introduced drug screening for appointees of political office holders and also traditional title appointees,’’ he said.

The commander also explained that the command saved a girl from execution in Saudi Arabia, after illicit drugs were allegedly found in her luggage.

Abdul expressed concern over the non-completion of the command’s abandoned 150 capacity rehabilitation centre. (NAN)