The Kwara State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in North Central Nigeria has successfully apprehended three notorious suppliers of illicit drugs in various locations within the state.
The Commander of NDLEA in the state, Mohammed Bashir Ibrahim, announced that these arrests were made within the span of one week.
During a press conference held in his office, the NDLEA boss stated that one of the suspected drug traffickers, Nwankwo Chidiebere Innocent, is a significant supplier of psychotropic substances in the state capital.
Additionally, two other individuals, Solomon Sonowo and Abubakar Tijani, were apprehended for their involvement in drug-related offenses.
The NDLEA commander revealed that over the past week, the command intercepted 4kg of cannabis sativa (commonly known as Indian hemp), methamphetamine, and methavitamin from Solomon Sonowo, a 24-year-old resident of Bode Saadu in Moro local government area of the state.
Furthermore, 33-year-old Abubakar Tijani was arrested in Bode Saadu with 14 kg of cannabis sativa.
The NDLEA commander shared that a major distributor of psychotropic drugs in Kwara state was also arrested. The suspect had previously identified himself as Chidi Jonathan during a prior arrest last year. However, further investigation revealed his real name to be Nwankwo Chidiebere Innocent.
Ibrahim described Nwankwo as a notorious supplier of psychotropic substances in the state who operates without a registered patent medicine shop. He noted that Nwankwo transports his consignment from Lagos state, and the confiscated drugs were intercepted on August 12.
Upon his arrest, the seized exhibits in Nwankwo’s possession included 1.950 kilograms of tramadol, 2.950 kilograms of Diazepam, and 179 grams of Pentazocine.
The NDLEA commander emphasized that the suspect has been involved in this illicit business for several years, and his arrest will significantly disrupt the supply and distribution of psychotropic substances within the state.
Following the completion of the agency’s investigation, the three suspects will be charged to the Federal High Court.
Ibrahim expressed concern about the analysis of drug seizures and suspect arrests conducted between January and June 2023, which revealed that 85% of the suspects fall between the ages of 14 and 40 years old.
He further stated that 89% of individuals who undergo brief counseling and residential rehabilitation in the command center also belong to the same age bracket.
In response, the NDLEA has intensified its campaign and advocacy efforts to educate the public, particularly the youth, about the dangers of engaging in illicit substance abuse.
Ibrahim commended the members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) for their collaboration in combating the transportation of hard drugs. He appealed to commercial drivers to remain vigilant and mindful of the items they transport on behalf of others.
Additionally, the NDLEA has increased patrol activities, implementing more frequent and thorough searches at the entrances and exits of the Ilorin metropolis to curb the inflow of illicit substances into the state. Lastly, Ibrahim warned those involved in the illicit drug trade to either cease their activities or leave the state.
