In October, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kano, Nigeria, took a significant step in combatting drug abuse by confiscating a large amount of illegal drugs. They found nearly 710 kilograms of these substances during their operations in the state. This information was shared in an announcement made by Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari, the spokesperson for the NDLEA’s Kano division.
The local commander of the agency, Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, reported that, alongside seizing the drugs, they arrested 129 individuals in connection to these illegal activities. Notably, all of these suspects are male.
Among the confiscated drugs, there were 309.991 kilograms of cannabis, which is commonly known as marijuana. In addition to that, they also seized 394.835 kilograms of various other drugs. This included a staggering 741,600 tablets of Tramadol, which is a strong painkiller often misused, as well as smaller quantities of other substances such as 2.789 kilograms of pregabalin, which is used to treat nerve pain, and 0.027 kilograms of methamphetamine, a powerful and illegal stimulant.
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The agency wasn’t just focused on seizing drugs; they also achieved 22 legal convictions during this period. These convictions serve to send a strong message to anyone involved in drug-related activities, showing that the law is being enforced.
Idris-Ahmad explained that not all of the arrested individuals will face court; those in need of help will be referred to counseling services to aid in their rehabilitation. He praised Brigadier General Mohammed Marwa (Rtd), the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, for his continual support, which plays a vital role in these achievements.
He also thanked the Kano State Government and various partners for their cooperation in the fight against drug abuse. Moving forward, the NDLEA plans to work closely with these partners to not only tackle drug trafficking but also to raise awareness about the dangers of drug use.
Lastly, Idris-Ahmad appealed to the public for help in this fight. He encouraged everyone to report any suspicious drug-related activities by calling their dedicated hotline at “0800 1020 3040.” He emphasized that by working together, society can become healthier and safer.
