The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Wednesday, said it has arrested a total of 360 suspects in connection with various drug related offenses and illicit trafficking of drugs in Anambra State.
The State Commander of NDLEA, Mr Daniel Onyishi, disclosed this in Awka, during the 2024 United Nation’s Day Against Drug Abuse cum 10th edition of drug quiz competition for secondary schools sponsored by the Traditional Ruler of Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area (LGA), Igwe Pharm. Alexander Onyido.
According to Onyishi, the command also counselled and rehabilitated 258 former drug addicts and reconciled them back to their beloved and society, while seizing a total of 2.8557 tons of drugs including cannabis and other dangerous substances within the year.
He explained that the command achieved the feat through collaborative efforts with other sister security agents and communities, adding that they would never relent in increasing awareness campaign over dangers of drugs and substance abuse prevalence amongst young people especially students.
Contributing, the chairman of the occasion and traditional ruler of Awka, Obi Gibson Nwosu, represented by his Palace Secretary, Chief Pius Okonkwo, described this year’s international drug day as very apt and urged community leaders and families to sensitise their members on it inherent dangers and how to survive without it.
On his part, the Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu, represented by the Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof Solomon Nwigbo, while commending NDLEA, unveiled the institution’s drug policy which among other things, prohibited drugs and substance abuse for serene environment effective teaching and learning.
Earlier, the sponsor of the programme and Traditional Ruler of Ogidi, Igwe Onyido, represented by his son, Ikenna Onyido, explained that the awareness campaign would be sustained so as to sanitise the society, including schools of drugs and substance abuse for sustainable growth and development.
