Asaba: The Delta State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA), has announced the arrest of three hundred and seventy- five drug suspects, noting that the force has secured the conviction of seventy-eight drug criminals in the previous year. The commander, NDLEA Delta State Command, Tunde John, made this known in Asaba, while briefing journalists on the achievements of the force within the time under review.
Reports added that eighty-four suspects have also been counselled and are undergoing rehabilitation among those arrested.
The NDLEA commander, said approximately four tons of substances including cannabis sativa were taken out of circulation within the period in addition to the seizure of nine hundred and sixty-five litres of codeine.
John also decried the widespread combination of marijuana to a local alcoholic beverage called Monkey Tail, stressing the use of the product is illegal because it contains an unlawful content.
“The command secured seventy-eight convictions and has two hundred and thirteen pending cases at the federal High Courts in Warri and Asaba,” John said.
He noted the paramilitary agency had prevented over 20 acres worth of cannabis from circulation following the destruction of weed farms at Abe and Obetim in Ndokwa, to frustrate supply in preparation for the February 25 Presidential and National Assembly elections and the March 11 Gubernatorial and State House of Assembly elections.
He stressed that “A lot of political thugs are usually armed with all manner of drugs, it is our responsibility and mandate to ensure that we clean the system, so that we will have free and fair elections.”
The commander who urged members of the public to collaborate with the NDLEA in the fight against drug abuse, also advised parents to send in their wards for out-patient or in-patient rehabilitation.
Tunde John was recently recognized by the joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Drugs and Narcotics, for his achievements in the effort to address the menace of drug abuse in the state.
