Drug seizures made by the National Drug and Related Crimes Agency (NDLEA) in 2023 have reached alarming levels. According to the NDLEA commander in the territory, Kabir Tsakuwa, a total of 7,138.72kg of marijuana as well as a variety of other drugs were intercepted during the year. Among the drugs seized are cocaine, diazepam, methamphetamine, rohypnol, tramadol, pentazocine, heroin, megadon and ecstasy, among others.
This quantity of seized drugs has a street value of N125,714,620 million, highlighting the scale of the illicit drug trade in the region. These seizures also demonstrate the importance of the NDLEA’s work in combating drug traffickers and protecting public health and safety.
Aside from the drug seizures, the NDLEA also managed to arrest 640 suspects, including 614 men and 26 women, during the year. Of these, 295 have been arraigned, with 201 of them being convicted, while 264 cases are pending before the Federal High Court, Abuja.
These figures highlight the effectiveness of the NDLEA in combating drug trafficking and related crime, but they also reveal the scale of the problem in the region. Authorities must continue to invest in anti-drug measures, including awareness-raising and education, to reduce the demand for illicit drugs and end this scourge.
The NDLEA deserves praise for its hard work in the fight against drugs, but it is also imperative that society at large commits to supporting these efforts. The fight against drug trafficking involves not only law enforcement, but also public awareness, education and a comprehensive approach to prevention.
In conclusion, the drug seizures made by the NDLEA in 2023 demonstrate the scale of the illicit drug trade in the region. These figures highlight the continued importance of the fight against drugs and the need for a comprehensive approach that includes drug trafficking enforcement, prevention and public awareness. The NDLEA deserves to be supported and commended for its efforts in combating this scourge.