The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Jigawa Command, says it secured the conviction of 107 illicit drug peddlers in the state in 2024.
The State Commander of the Agency, Mr Musa Maina, disclosed this in an interview with NAN in Dutse, the Jigawa State capital, on Wednesday.
Maina said that 702 suspects, comprising 25 females and 677 males, were arrested within the period under review, while 592,626.52 kilograms of substances suspected to be illicit drugs were seized.
He explained that the substances comprised 466.968 kilograms of suspected cannabis sativa, 23.655 kilograms of suspected psychotropic substances, and 100.185 kilograms of other substances of abuse.
He also said that during the period under review, the command counseled 591 drug users, comprising 27 females and 564 males, on the negative effects of drug abuse.
He further said that the command successfully rehabilitated 36 drug-dependent persons at its rehabilitation center.
“According to him, we were also able to successfully rehabilitate 36 drug-dependent persons at our rehabilitation center, as well as deliver 99 drug-preventive education lectures and advocacy talks.
“The lectures and advocacy talks were delivered through various mediums, including tertiary institutions, the NYSC, government agencies, drug-free clubs, CSOs, marketplaces, and print and electronic media.”
The state commander added that the command had remained steadfast and was committed to reducing the demand for illicit drugs and other substances of abuse in the state.
“The command worked hard with great determination to limit the supply and abuse of hard drugs and other psychoactive substances, and we are committed to doing even more to achieve much greater feats.
“While I solicit greater collaboration from stakeholders to rid the state of substance abuse, I commend traditional and religious institutions, as well as the state government, for their support and cooperation with the agency in its fight against drug abuse thus far.
“I also enjoin residents of the state to join hands with us in the fight against the menace of illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse.”
