Akwa Ibom State: Anti-narcotic Agency arrests 348 suspects

Nigeria’s Anti-narcotic Agency, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) says in 2022 it arrested 348 suspects and seized 460.34kg of illicit drugs in Akwa Ibom State

The NDLEA Commander, Mrs Obot Bassey, told newsmen in Uyo, the state capital on Wednesday that those arrested were 302 males and 46 females.

“Illicit drugs seized were 231.377kg of Indian hemp, 2.611kg of cocaine, 0.919kg of heroin, 0.032kg of Meth, 92.803kg of Amphetamine and 133.196kg of other psychotropic substances.”

She said the command also secured 58 convictions of drug dealers and users in 2022, rehabilitated 15 persons and counselled 265 others.

Bassey said the command also destroyed 2.786 tonnes of seized drugs by burning them in public glare in 2022.

“Of spectacular notes were arrests and seizure of 90kg Amphetamine with street value of N2.5 billion and 2.6kg of cocaine.

“The drugs would have done a lot of damage to families, communities and to the state if they had not been seized.’’

She said Uyo Local Government Area recorded the highest rate of drug abuse out of the 31 local government areas of Akwa Ibom.

The NDLEA Commander appealed to multinational organisations, philanthropists and well-meaning individuals to join hands with the NDLEA to reduce drug abuse and trafficking to the barest minimum in the state.

“I am using this medium to tell Akwa Ibom people to look for substances that are not supposed to be consumed and keep the NDLEA posted on these substances.

“Residents should also report drug dealers and users to the NDLEA,’’ she said.

Bassey said the NDLEA was disturbed by the influx of a new drug, Fentanyl into the Nigerian market, as it is 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine, heroin and codeine.

The commander warned drug peddlers and dealers in Akwa Ibom to give up the illicit business or face the full wrath of the law.

NAN/PIAK