The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Adamawa Command, says it has destroyed a seven-hectare cannabis farm and arrested 58 drug suspects in September.
Commander of Narcotics, Mr Aliyu Abubakar, disclosed this on Friday at a news conference in Yola.
He explained that the suspects comprised 56 males and two females, adding that five were arrested at Mijilu village, Mubi North LGA, where the cannabis farm was destroyed with support from soldiers and community members.
According to him, the command also seized 366.8kg of cannabis sativa, 209.8kg of psychotropic substances, 11.6kg of methamphetamine, four vehicles and a motorcycle used to transport the illicit drugs.
Abubakar said the command made a major breakthrough on Sept. 1 when operatives intercepted a Honda Pilot vehicle in Lamurde carrying over 500 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa.
“The items were loaded from Akure, Ondo State, and destined for Mubi in Adamawa. A controlled delivery led to the arrest of two siblings, while a further search in their premises in Mubi resulted in the recovery of 40 additional blocks of compressed cannabis. One of the suspects, Suleiman Mohammed, is an ex-convict and notorious drug dealer in Mubi. The three suspects will be charged to court accordingly,” he said.
He added that another operation in Farauta led to the seizure of 131kg of psychotropic substances and a Sienna vehicle.
The commander also disclosed that the counselling and rehabilitation unit attended to 70 drug dependents, aged between 18 and 43 years, through intensive counselling and follow-up for reintegration into society.
He said that under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, the command carried out sensitisation in eight locations, including schools and faith-based institutions.
“In line with the Federal Government’s drug integrity test policy, 25 persons were screened during the period. The test is preventive, not punitive, to ensure that those in sensitive positions or institutions are free from illicit substances,” Abubakar added.
He commended officers of the command, sister security agencies and community members for their support, urging residents to provide timely information to help curb drug trafficking in the state.
“Together we can keep Adamawa safe and secure from the scourge of illicit drugs,” he said.
(NAN)