The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Imo State said it has arrested 192 drug offenders and convicted 30 male suspects between June 2023 till June 2024 in the state.

The Imo State Commander of NDLEA, Abdullahi Saeed, disclosed this Wednesday during the commemoration of United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held at the command’s office in Owerri.

Saeed said that out of the 192 drug offenders attested, 171 are male and 21 are female.

He disclosed that the command made a seizure of 2,639.27 kg of various types of drugs, ranging from cocaine to cannabis to marijuana, among others, adding that the greater quantity of drugs seized are cannabis.

The NDLEA boss said that by way of intervention, the office has rehabilitated 40 drug users through counselling after which they rejoined their family members.

He expressed regret that a good number of youths in the country, both male and female, particularly those in secondary schools and tertiary institutions, find abuse of drugs fashionable and embrace it without hesitation.

He said: “This, already creating a huge problem for society .Its a well-known fact that drugs have a nexus with other crimes such as banditry, kidnapping, murder, suicide, rape, etc”.

The state commander said that June 26 is commemorated every year by nations of the world with a weeklong of activities .

He said that this year’s theme for the commemoration: is “Evidence is Clear; Invest in Prevention,” which reminds the world that it pays more to prevent abuse of drugs than smuggling to treat those already afflicted with problems.

Saeed observed that issue of drug abuse cannot be handled by NDLEA, rather with the collaboration of other sister agencies, organisations in the society.

He said that to ensure a peaceful, prosperous and secured nation, there must be a collective sustenance of war on drug abuse and illicit trafficking for the common good.

He said: “the sustenance of war on drug abuse is the right and appropriate course of action to undertake now for more immediate good and for the security of our future”.

There were a series of lectures delivered by eminent scholars in different fields of discipline that focused on drug abuse.

The highlight of the event was the display of cultural dance from different schools in attendance.

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