NDLEA recovers 3.33 tonnes of cannabis, others in Ogun

The Ogun State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency said it recovered 3.33 tonnes of cannabis sativa and 10.949kg psychotropic substances between January and May of this year.

Other seizures made during this period were 0.017kg of cocaine; 227.0 litres of skuchies; 11.0 litres of codeine and 0.129kg of methamphetamine.

The NDLEA state commander, Tijjani Rabe, disclosed this at a press conference held on Monday ahead of the 2024 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, at the command’s headquarters in Abeokuta.

Rabe said a total of 147 suspects consisting of 117 males and 30 females were arrested for various drug-related offences in the last five months with 71 charged cases, 174 pending cases and 86 convictions secured.

The commander said the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘’The Evidence is Clear: Invest In Prevention’’,  emphasised the importance of a prevention-oriented approach to reduce illicit drug use among the youths, often influenced by peer groups and the desire for acceptance.

Rabe said, “Families, schools, religious organisations, and professional bodies need to invest in prevention to stop activities leading to illicit drug use.

“This year’s theme aligns with the command’s drug control initiatives, highlighted in our War Against Drug Abuse activities targeting schools, community leaders, religious organisations, and political leaders to improve the well-being of Ogun State residents.”

The state commander said the command had continued to hold sensitisation programmes in various settings, which include schools, faith-based organisations, market associations, traditional institutions, hospitals, and community development associations.

“To achieve a safer, more secure environment and improve the well-being of Ogun State residents, we must recognise the importance of prevention. This includes preventing drug use before it starts, early identification and intervention for individuals at risk, and treating and rehabilitating those with drug use disorders.

“Families, traditional institutions, schools, health professionals, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies must prioritise prevention and early detection to reduce illicit drug use,” the commander said.