Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested 559 suspected drug offenders and secured 128 convictions in Anambra State over the past 11 months as part of intensified efforts to curb drug trafficking and substance abuse.
The Anambra State Commander of the NDLEA, Charles Onubogu, disclosed this on Wednesday in Awka during a briefing ahead of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on June 26.
According to him, the command arrested 475 men and 84 women for various drug-related offences and recovered about 1.8 tonnes of illicit substances, including cocaine, methamphetamine and cannabis.
“Since I came into the command about 11 months ago, we have made seizures of more than a tonne of different categories of drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine and cannabis.
“In all, about 1.8 tonnes of illicit substances have been recovered, with a total of 559 suspects arrested and 128 convictions secured within the last 11 months,” he said.
Onubogu also revealed that 102 persons battling substance abuse, comprising 99 males and three females, underwent rehabilitation within the period under review.
He said many of those receiving treatment were also enrolled in vocational training programmes such as tailoring and soap making to support their reintegration into society, while others benefited from counselling and intervention services.
The NDLEA commander stressed that the agency was committed not only to disrupting drug supply networks through arrests and prosecutions but also to reducing demand through rehabilitation and public education.
“What we are mainly after are drug dealers. People who use drugs have problems and we need to help them. They are taken through intervention and counselling programmes to guide them on how to stay off drugs.
“This year’s theme for the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, titled, ‘The World Drug Problem: Persistent Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses’, underscored the place of collaboration in fight against illicit drugs.
“The fight against drugs abuse and trafficking can’t be left to the NDLEA alone. All hands must be on deck to battle the scourge.
“The media, being a major stakeholder, civil society organisations and the public should use their various platforms to spread the message against drug abuse and reduce the menace in the society,” he added.
Onubogu said the command would organise a road walk and other awareness activities to commemorate this year’s global anti-drug campaign in the state.
