In a bid to curb the abuse and trafficking of illicit drugs in the communities and society at large, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) destroyed over 23,000kg of seized drugs on Wednesday, February 17, 2022. The event took place at the Federal High Court in Enugu and was witnessed by several stakeholders.
The NDLEA Chairman, Mohammed Marwa, who was represented by the Director of General Investigation, NDLEA, Abuja, Samuel Gadzamal gave the breakdown of the destroyed drugs as follows: cocaine 21.699kg, Heroin 14.828kg, amphetamine 0.0618kg, methamphetamine 24.347kg, precursor chemicals 154.0kg, cannabis sativa 23,225.1kg and pharmaceutical 281.759kg. These drugs had been seized between the years 2008 to 2022.
Mr. Marwa acknowledged the important support provided by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to curb drug abuse and trafficking in the state. He also thanked international counterparts such as the United States DEA, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, the UK board force, the German Police, and others for their partnership and contribution to the success story of the NDLEA.
However, the NDLEA Chairman called on all Nigerians to join hands with the government in fighting drug abuse and illicit trafficking. He explained that these drugs have negative implications on the health of people, road accidents, and other drug-related crimes.
Mr. Marwa assured the public that the Agency would continue to uphold its mandate of exploring all avenues within the ambit of the law to rid the country of illegal drugs. He also thanked the Federal and State Governments as well as other stakeholders for their support and determination towards the fight against illicit drugs in Nigeria.
The state commander of the NDLEA in Enugu, Anietie Idim, revealed that the public destruction of illicit drugs was a phenomenal event in the State Command. He explained that the cases for the destruction of the drugs had been concluded at the Federal High Court Enugu, following the diligent efforts of many officers of the Agency to clean and clear the State of illicit drug and its consequences.
Ogbonna Onovo, a former Inspector General of the Nigerian Police, who was also present at the event, commended NDLEA for its fight against illicit drugs in the country. He advocated for an open hall of fame in honour of security officers who had died in the process of the fight against illicit drugs in Nigeria.
In his closing remarks, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, represented by his Special Adviser on Information, Steve Oruruo, pledged the state government’s continued support to the agency in its bid to rid the state of illicit drugs.
NAN reported the event.