The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Anambra, says it confiscated 192.626kg of hard drugs within the state in 2011.
Mr Timinipre Zikiye, the Anambra Commander of the agency, said on Tuesday in Onitsha that the seized hard drugs comprised mostly cannabis, popularly known as India Hemp.
He said that the command was able to reduce the use of hard drug and trafficking in the state through its collaborative efforts with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).
According to him, the success achieved indicates that the partnerships and enlightenment programmes undertaken by the agency in collaboration with other stakeholders are yielding positive results.
Zikiye said that the state recorded reduced hard drug confiscation from a massive 2,011kg in 2010 to 192.62kg in 2011.
He stated that the more than 900 per cent reduction in seizure represented reduced demand for the hard drugs.
“The year ended on a good note, we made impressive achievements, I would say. We were able to, in spite of the odds, effect a total arrest of suspects amounting to 361 last year – 2011. And with a total drug seizure weight of 192.626 kg; out of this seizure weight, it’s mostly cannabis.
“Then, we had 618.4 gm of cocaine, heroin was 4.9 gm; all these added up to the total seizure weight of 192.626 kg. That was what we were able to achieve last year. And out of the 361 suspects, 301 were males, while 60 were females.
“And you understand the lopsidedness number tilted against or in favour of males because as you know males are more involved in drug activities or illegal activities. So, that is why the ratio is like that.
“Then, out of this number, we were able to counsel about 250 suspects, who were considered drug users; that is, we consider them being sick.”
The commander expressed gratitude to the state government for providing the command with two operational vehicles and paying the rent for its Awka Area Command office.
He, however, appealed to the state government for more support in terms of renovation of its state headquarters, provision of more vehicles and checking the erosion threatening its headquarters. ?
?
?