722kg of cocaine, others recovered in Rivers – NDLEA

Success Nwanedo

The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Rivers State Command says it has arrested over 145 suspected drug traffickers from January 2022 to date.

In a statement in Port Harcourt at the weekend, the state Commandant, Ahmed Mamuda, said it recovered 722 kilograms of illicit drugs including cocaine, heroin, cannabis Sativa, and methamphetamine, among others.

Reiterating the Command’s determination to ward off traffickers from the state, Mamuda said the prevalence of drug abuse poses a huge threat to the young generation.

According to him, drug abuse served as a prompter for violence and insecurity plaguing the country in recent times, adding that drugs can destroy the existence of a nation.

Mamuda, who spoke after a walk tagged “Addressing drug challenges in health and humanitarian crisis,” to sensitize residents on the dangers of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, said NDLEA has secured the conviction of 58 drug suspects.

“Here in Rivers State, the command has been working round the clock to make the state a no-go area for drug traffickers.

“Permit me to inform you that from January 2022 to date, our operational efforts have resulted in the arrest of over 145 drug suspects (26 females and 119 males), with a seizure of 722.23kg of various illicit drugs, mainly cocaine, heroin, cannabis Sativa, methamphetamine, and other psychotropic substances.

“The command has also secured the conviction of 58 drug suspects to various jail terms within this period while 60 cases are still pending at the federal high court, Port Harcourt,” he said.

Continuing, the commandant stated, “We continue to advocate protecting the rights to health for the most vulnerable including children and youth, people using drugs, people with drug use disorder, and people who need access to controlled medicines. So, do your part.”

“The Drugs Demand Reduction Unit of the Rivers State Command has admitted 27 drug dependent (clients) since January 2022, while a total of 21 have been counseled, rehabilitated, and reintegrated into society. There are currently 28 drug-dependent clients in our facility undergoing this process.”