NDLEA Arrests 315 Suspects In Osun, Seizes 4,776kg Illicit Drugs

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has disclosed that it has arrested 315 suspects for drug-related offences and seized 4,776.38644kg of various illicit drugs in Osun State from June 2022 to June 2023.

The NDLEA Osun State Commander, Nnadi Chidi, made this known in a statement issued on Monday to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse.

He said the suspects included 279 males and 36 females, who were involved in the cultivation, trafficking and consumption of different types of drugs such as cannabis sativa, diazepam, tramadol, methamphetamine, rophynol, benazine, skushies, molly, codeine and cocaine.

He also said the agency destroyed 3.3 hectares of cannabis farm at Owena Area in Oriade Local Government Area of the state during the period under review.

He added that out of the 315 suspects arrested, 75 were briefly counselled and reintegrated back to their families, while 70 were successfully prosecuted and convicted.

Chidi stated that this year’s theme for the International Day Against Drug Abuse is “People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention”.

He explained that the theme emphasizes the need to treat people who use drugs with respect and empathy, offer alternatives to punishment, prioritize prevention and lead with compassion.

He urged the society to avoid stigmatizing and discriminating against drug users, as this would discourage them from seeking help and make their recovery difficult and burdensome for themselves, their families and the society at large.

He said the command has been actively engaging the public through its enlightenment and advocacy programmes known as WADA (War Against Drug Abuse), which involve rallies at marketplaces, sensitization in schools, workplaces, religious houses and communities.

He said the aim of WADA is to educate the people about the dangers of drug abuse and its consequences on health, security and economic development.

He also said the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja has established a drug abuse call centre to broaden access to treatment and rehabilitation.

He said the public can reach the agency to connect with counsellors and mental health professionals through its 24/7 helpline number 080010203040.

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