N2bn drugs destroyed in A’Ibom, govt lauds NDLEA

The Akwa Ibom State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has destroyed 2.768 tonnes of illicit drugs estimated at over N2bn in the state.

This is as the state government lauded the anti-narcotic on its efforts towards the attainment of zero case profile in drug-related offences.

This was contained in a statement on Thursday by the press Secretary to the Deputy Governor,  Ekikere Umoh, after the agency’s chairman, Brig. General Mohammed Marwa, (retd.), paid a courtesy visit to the deputy governor, Moses Ekpo, at Government House, Uyo.

Marwa who was represented by the agency’s Secretary, Shedrach Haruna, listed the destroyed drugs to include cannabis, cocaine and heroin.

He said the drugs were seized between 2014 and September 2021, adding that the destruction was in line with the agency’s Act which mandates it to take measures for the destruction of seized narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

He said, “The NDLEA will not rest on its oars to rid the country of the menace of hard drugs. NDLEA is not only” involved in arrest and prosecution of drug offenders, but also tackling the scourge through aggressive drug awareness and sensitisation programmes for vulnerable youths and other groups.”

The chairman who appreciated the federal and state governments and other partners for their support in the fight against illicit drugs,  requested for land from the state government for the construction of a staff barracks for the command, as well as the establishment of Drug-free Clubs in schools in order to curb the menace.

The Deputy Governor, Mr Moses Ekpo, while acknowledging the positive report-card of the agency, commended Buba Marwa, noting that his appointment had positively altered the performance narrative of the agency nationwide.

He said, “This has obviously rubbed off on the Akwa Ibom State office, with the result that we have been able to more effectively contain the challenges of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.”