NDLEA seizes 4,179kg drugs, arrests 128 suspects In Kogi

The National Drug Law Agency, NDLEA, said it seized 4,179.866kg drugs and arrested 128 suspected dealers in connection with the seizures in Kogi.

The state Commander of the NDLEA, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Bello, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in his office in preparation for the commemoration of 2013 International Day against Drug Abuse and Trafficking by the United Nations at weekend.

Bello said the command would not relent in its bid to rid the state of illicit drugs.

He explained that in the last six months when the seizures were made, 25 persons were convicted while some cases were pending at Federal High Court in Lokoja.

The commander also disclosed that 25 drug users were rehabilitated while 16 vehicles used in conveying the drugs were impounded.

Bello noted that NDLEA had been in forefront of the campaign against drug peddling in the country being the agency saddled with the responsibility of combating illicit drugs and trafficking.

He said the state command was committed to keeping the mandate as various strategies had been put in place to combat the scourge in the state.

The commander disclosed that the theme of this year’s celebration is; “New Psychoactive Substance: Make Health Your New High Life not Drugs.”

Bello described the proliferation of psychoactive substances as a new trend and worrisome phenomenon in illicit drugs control.

He explained that the pattern of drug use was constantly evolving and accompany by new threats, adding that new psychoactive substances sometimes referred to as “legal highs” were substances of abuse, either in a pure form or preparation not controlled by earlier convention on narcotic drugs which might pose a public health threat.

Bello, however, warned parents to be vigilant about their children’s lifestyle so as not to fall victims of the scourge and to be able to act promptly.