The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA Commandant in Sokoto, Mr Iro Muhammad, says the agency has embarked on Special Operations to ensure Drugs free elections.
Mr Iro Muhammad stated this in his office while briefing Journalists in Sokoto State.
He said the operation was part of the directive by the agency’s Director General, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd) to ensure a drugs-free environment before, during and after the general election.
According to him, during the operation no fewer than 64 suspects, including seven drugs dealers with 517 kilograms of illicit drugs were arrested in some hotels and other joints in the state.
” Our operatives in the first raid seized 473 kilograms of Cannabis sativa, 4.3 kilograms of codeine, 10 grams of Rafinole and seven grams of methamphetamine.
” We also arrested arrested 64 suspected persons, which during investigation identified seven to be among suspected drugs dealers in the state.
” A total of 57 others were identified as drug users who will be engage in rehabilitation program of NDLEA.
” However, the seven suspected dealers will soon be charged to court as soon as investigation is over,” Muhammad noted.
The Commandant commended other security agencies for their support towards ensuring successful conduct of the operation.
He further added that the operation would continue and be sustained even after elections.
” It’s part of the NDLEA war against drug abuse and to sensitized the society of criminal elements ahead of forthcoming elections in the state.
” we are optimistic that without the consumption of hard drugs, criminal activities and other social vices will be minimal, if not totally addressed,” he said.
Iro said the command would continue to sensitise all hotel operators in the state on the need to evaluate their customers and details of their activities in their facilities.
The Commandant added that the NDLEA will not hestitate to seal any hotel found to be harbouring drug dealers.
He however urged members of the communities to continue to supply the agency with meaningful information that help to curtail the activities of drug abuse across the state.
N.O
