NDLEA Osun State Command Reports Arrest of 252 Suspects in Illicit Drug Operations
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Osun State Command, has reported the arrest of 252 suspects involved in illicit drug activities from January 2023 to December 2023. In a statement released in Osogbo, the NDLEA Commander in the state, Chidi Nnadi, revealed that the suspects comprised 214 males and 38 females.
During this period, the command successfully secured the conviction of 57 suspects, with sentences ranging from three months to five years in prison. Additionally, 47 cases are currently pending in court as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to tackle drug-related crimes.
In its operations, the NDLEA seized a total of 1,909.69 kilograms of illicit drugs. Furthermore, the agency’s drug supply reduction efforts led to the discovery and destruction of 9.5 hectares of cannabis farms, amounting to 23.759 tonnes of cannabis sativa, in Ifedayo and Oriade local government areas.
As part of its intervention strategies, the agency provided brief counselling sessions for 79 People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) and conducted awareness and sensitization programs in various settings such as religious houses, schools, motor parks, markets, and workplaces.
Addressing a misconception, Commander Nnadi refuted claims that Osun State was the second-highest cannabis-producing state in the South West region. He expressed gratitude to the Chairman of the NDLEA, Gen. Buba Marwa (retired), and the Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, for their support in the fight against substance abuse in the state and across Nigeria.
Daily Nigerian
