The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo State has announced that it has arrested 252 suspected drug dealers and traffickers in the state between January and September 2023. The Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Buba Wakawa, disclosed this through his Media and Advocacy Officer, Assistant Commander Narcotic Ondoimi Bebetu, in Benin on Thursday.
According to Wakawa, the NDLEA has been working with other security agencies such as the police, the army, and the DSS to conduct raids on hotels and event centers where drug activities are prevalent. He said that some of the suspects have been convicted, some are undergoing trial, and some have been counseled and released to their families.
Wakawa explained that the NDLEA offers counseling to drug users who are arrested, as the law permits the agency to do so. He said that the counseling is aimed at helping them overcome their drug addiction and reintegrate into society. He added that the NDLEA also educates the public on the dangers of drug abuse and its effects on health, security, and development.
He listed some of the commonly trafficked drugs in the state as cannabis, tramadol, cocaine, heroin, Colorado, and codeine syrup. He said that these drugs are consumed by users in various ways, such as by sniffing, cooking, chewing, smoking, or swallowing. He warned that these drugs have serious negative impacts on the physical and mental health of users, as well as their social and economic well-being.
He appealed to the public to support the NDLEA in its fight against drug abuse in Edo State by providing useful information on drug dealers and traffickers. He also urged parents, guardians, religious leaders, and community leaders to monitor and mentor their children and wards to prevent them from falling into drug addiction. He assured that the NDLEA will continue to do its best to reduce drug demand and supply in the state.