The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has claimed to have intercepted illicit drugs worth more than N12 million in the first quarter of 2021.
NDLEA Oyo state commander, Josephine Obi, said on Saturday, through the command public relations officer, Mutuiat Okuwobi, that the seizure included 580.4024 kg of Cannabis Sativa and other narcotic substances.
According to her, officers from the command during the reporting period also arrested 95 people, including 88 men and seven women, on suspicion of having committed various drug offenses.
She noted that during this period, 19 suspected traffickers had been convicted of various drug-related offenses.
She identified peer influence as a major factor contributing to the increase in drug abuse among young people, and called for collaborative efforts to tackle illicit drug trafficking in the state.
“We have launched awareness programs in schools as part of our efforts against the production, trafficking and use of illicit drugs and other illegal substances in the state.
“We encourage those whose children and wards are involved in drug addiction not to abandon them because the treatment is working.
“They should go to the NDLEA office where we can welcome them or refer them to other centers in the state for treatment and rehabilitation.
“Between January and March, the command gave brief advice to 13 people who used drugs, while five are currently undergoing residential rehabilitation,” she said.
She added that reducing drug trafficking and abuse would go a long way in reducing crime and insecurity in the state.
