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Between July 2022 and May 2023, 239 drug trafficking suspects were detained in Akwa Ibom State, according to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The NDLEA in Akwa Ibom's commander, Mrs. Obot Bassey, said this while briefing reporters in Uyo to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. She said the suspects consist of 197 men and 42 women.
She said that 59 drug offenders were convicted by the command at that time.
She added that throughout the time, the command treated and rehabilitated 15 clients, counseled 160 drug users, and confiscated substances weighing 1,465.99kg.
A portion of the text stated, "NDLEA Akwa Ibom State Command has been devoted to preserving mankind from last year's celebration to this time with its mandate of removing illegal drugs from homes and streets through arrests, seizures of illicit narcotics.
"The State Command detained a total of 239 individuals between July 2022 and May 2023, including 197 men and 42 women. 59 drug offenders were found guilty after 1,465,99 kg of narcotics were seized."
The state commander also named a number of psychoactive chemicals that are often misused in the state, such as cannabis sativa, cocaine, heroin, meth, and amphetamine.
Bassey emphasized the importance of prevention in the fight against drug usage and said that the command will employ campaigns and sensitization programs to keep drug use in the state to a bare minimum.
The commander urged everyone to work with NDLEA to lessen drug consumption and trafficking. He also made a plea to the state government and donors.
In order to stop drug trafficking, she also requested that the state government provide the command with utility vehicles so that they can monitor the 31 local government regions, particularly border areas.
