The operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested 360 suspects in connection with various drug related offences in Anambra State.

The Anambra State Commander of NDLEA, Onyeishi Daniel, disclosed this at the 2024 United Nation’s Day Against Drug Abuse at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka on Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

Onyeishi said the essence of the lecture and awareness campaign was due to the prevalence of drug trafficking and abuse among youths, especially students.

He added that the command within a period of one year seized over 2.885 tons of illicit drugs, including cannabis and other dangerous substances.

The commander said: “The command is unwavering in the combating of the drug menace because we believe that the best prevention is to ensure that illicit drugs are not available.

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“Towards this, between June 2023 and June 2024, a total of 360 suspects were arrested. 197 suspects have been successfully prosecuted while 258 were counselled/rehabilitated and 2.8557 tons drugs were seized.”

The Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, while commending the NDLEA, highlighted the university’s approach to ending illicit trafficking of drugs and abuse by students.

Ikechebelu, who was represented by Prof Solomon Nwigbo, said the university has built a centre for psychological services and centre for counselling and career development whose efforts combine with other resources to build human development.

Also speaking at the event, the chairman of the occasion and the traditional ruler of Awka, Eze Gibson Nwosu, described this year’s International Drug Day as very apt, especially as the prevalence of drug abuse persists in society.

Nwosu, who represented by his palace secretary, Pius Okonkwo, said: “This type of event should be organised in Nigeria and here in UNIZIK in line with the fight against drugs, we should carry it to primary and secondary schools.

“Drug trafficking and selling of hard drugs have entered primary schools in Nigeria. It doesn’t bring peace to our society, rather it bring chaos. Some of the youths are being pushed by the hard drugs they take and that’s why the society is suffering.”

The Star