NDLEA arrest 100 suspects, seizes 290kg of Drugs in C'River
Ndiferek BASSEY
The Cross River Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says a total of 100 suspects have been arrested across the state between January and June on account of illicit drug offences. The command also said no fewer than 290kg of illicit drugs were seized within the same period.
The state commander, Rachel Umebuali, made the disclosure during a press briefing in Calabar as part of activities marking a week-long event to commemorate the "United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking."
At the event which is organised by the NDLEA, the commander listed the illicit drugs seized to include: Cocaine, Heroine, Methamphetamine, Diazepam,Tramadol, Cannabis sativa, among others even as he raised the alarm over the escalating drug consumption and trafficking in the country and particularly in Cross River.
She noted Ikom, Abi, Biase and Calabar South as the Local Government Areas in Cross River
with high prevalence in drugs abuse, pointing out that evidences from the agency's operations highlight how the drug problem is evolving into a significant social issue.
She emphasised that this issue has consequences on security, the economy, and the overall welfare of the population, saying “this has undeniable connections to the rise in insecurity, which is having negative impacts on peace and the economy nationwide."
Umebuali attributed acts such as armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, rape, and other violent crimes to the consumption of illegal drugs, urging government, corporate bodies, and people with a desire for change to join forces with the NDLEA in order to eliminate the issue of drugs in the society.
According to her, "as a state command, we commemorated this one week event by going to Mosque and Churches, sensitizing parents and caregivers and we believe that they will in turn sensitise their children/wards on the fight against illicit drugs.
“The situation of drugs abuse in the state is so high that we need to do a lot. We cannot do this alone without the collaboration of other agencies and the media."
Umebuali commended the state government for the enormous support offered the agency to discharge its duties in the state, decrying the poor working environment of the state command, and noted that there are no operational vehicles in the command.
