The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has taken a decisive stand against drug trafficking and abuse by destroying a staggering 15.7 tonnes of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances confiscated in Kano State. The Chairman of NDLEA, Buba Marwa, revealed that the drugs were seized by the state Command and Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Special Area Command, over a period spanning from Oct. 2020 to Oct. 2023.
Representing Mr. Marwa, the NDLEA Director-General, Investigation, Samuel Bashir-Gadzama, emphasized that the public burning of these illicit drugs was a proactive measure to prevent their re-entry into the society, safeguarding the public from their detrimental effects.
According to the state NDLEA Commander, Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, the confiscated 15,193.365 kg of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances included 9,824.098 kg of Cannabis Sativa, 1.8665 kg of Cocaine, 4,694.298 kg of Psychotropic Substance, 9 grams of Methamphetamine, 10 kg of Barbiturate, and 663 kg of expired drugs. Notably, a significant portion of these substances, totalling 528.511 kg, was seized from the Aminu Kano International Airport, comprising 169 kg of Psychotropic Substance, 6 kg of Cannabis Sativa, 4.3 kg of Cocaine, 5.211 kg of Methamphetamine, and 344 kg of Khat.
Highlighting the devastating impact of these substances on society, Mr. Idris-Ahmad emphasized the pervasive harm caused by these drugs, especially among young people.
In recognition of the collaborative effort in combating the drug menace, Mr. Idris-Ahmad commended the Kano State Government, the judiciary, other security agencies, and Non-Governmental Organisations. He also expressed appreciation for the Emirate Councils’ effective intervention in advocating for drug tests before appointments.
Furthermore, the commander announced the NDLEA’s approval for the establishment of Divisional Narcotic Offices in every local government area in Nigeria, underscoring the agency’s unwavering commitment to eradicating the drug trade and abuse.
Issuing a stern warning to drug traffickers, Mr. Idris-Ahmad emphasized that there would be no respite for them in Kano state, stating, “We will not rest until every corner of this state is free from drugs and every young person can live a life free from the influence of illicit substances.”
In his address, Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf lauded the concerted efforts of the NDLEA and other security agencies in the fight against drug menace. He acknowledged that a significant proportion of illegal drug users in the state were teenagers and assured the public of the government’s resoluteness in tackling the situation to foster a better state for all.
This progressive move by the NDLEA marks a significant step towards creating a drug-free society, with the commitment of both the agency and the government pivotal in safeguarding the welfare of the public. It is a collective responsibility to create an environment where the people, especially the youth, are shielded from the pernicious impact of illicit substances.
