The Bauchi State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has announced the success it recorded in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in 2024.
This is as it revealed that the agency arrested 415 drug suspects and seized 1.2 tonnes of illicit substances between January and December.
The agency’s state commander, Ali Aminu, disclosed this during a press briefing on Tuesday in Bauchi, the state capital.
According to him, the illicit drugs include Cannabis Sativa, Diazepam, Methamphetamine, among others.
Aminu who provided a comprehensive review of the command’s activities throughout the year also highlighted the number of successful prosecutions recorded.
He said, “Seventy cases were charged to court, resulting in 84 successful prosecutions, while 18 cases remain pending at the Federal High Court in Bauchi.”
He also revealed that 137 drug users were counselled and rehabilitated, adding that most of them were rehabilitated through brief interventions at the NDLEA’s facility in the state.
The commander however warned the public against the illicit use and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, saying that anyone caught would face prosecution.
“I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd.), for his efforts in repositioning the agency and inspiring its personnel to renew their commitment to fighting the menace of drug abuse and trafficking,” he said.
TheNigerian Metro reports that the NDLEA in a series of daring operations intercepted large consignments of illicit drugs and arrested several suspects across Nigeria.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday.
The most notable bust occurred at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, where an import and export businessman, Olisaka Chibuzo Calistus, was caught attempting to smuggle 256 wraps of cocaine weighing 6 kilograms into the country.
The agency revealed that the cocaine was concealed in his body, marking the largest interception of cocaine at the Kano airport since 2006.
