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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Enugu Command has said the agency has prosecuted a total of Fifty One (51) suspects for various drug related offences.
The Commander of the NDLEA in the state, Abel Wadahi who disclosed this on the occasion of the 2024 United Nation’s Day against Drug Abuse and illicit Trafficking said also Eighty Five (85) cases are pending in court.
Speaking at an event to commemorate the day at the Justice Umezurike Hall, High Court Headquarters, Enugu, Wadahi, apart from convictions, assets of convicts used as instrumentality of crime or the proceeds derived from drug trafficking were forfeited to the Federal Government.
He said the Command also seized 1.874 tonnes of various drugs which include Cocaine, Cannabis sativa, Methamphetamine also known (Mkpuru-mmiri) among others.
He also disclosed that within the period under review, the Command has counseled, treated and rehabilitated One Hundred and Twenty Two (122) clients.
Wadahi said the the War Against Drug Abuse has been a tremendous success as an effective tool of advocacy for social action and awareness-driven vehicle for public engagement and collaboration against illicit trafficking and abuse.
“ Within our modest means and with the support of Enugu State Government and our various stakeholders, we have invested in prevention over the past one year (June 2023 to June 2024), as part of the reform being undertaken in the Agency by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer”.
“Enugu State Command has put in place strategies to continue to arrest drug traffickers as well as seize all illicit drugs being peddled in and through Enugu State”.
“ Our prosecution efforts in Enugu State Command have continued to achieve successes in court given the painstaking investigation and diligence in prosecution of cases”.
“Finally, I want to call on the entire society, beginning with the family and parents, that children should be taught as they grow up why drug use is bad. This is because of the dire consequences it portends. Good parenting is of utmost importance in this respect. Equally important is the community level, the traditional institution, religious bodies, and NGOs in our strive to contain the drug menace. We encourage drug test, as we have promoted same for students in tertiary institutions”.
“In conclusion, we appreciate our major stakeholders, Enugu State Government, the Judiciary, the Military, the Nigeria Police, the DSS. other sister security Agencies, NGOs and other critical stakeholders for their cooperation and support at all times”.
In a message to the occasion , Enugu state governor, Barr. Peter MBAH reiterated his administration’s commitment to investing in preventive measures aimed at fighting drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the state.
The governor represented by the commissioner for Health, Dr Ikechukwu Obi in a key note address said the state is prioritising the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking knowing it’s consequences in the society.
He noted the his administration is investing in renovating rehabilitation center in the state, strengthening hospitals to ensure people have access to mental health care at the point of need.
He called on parents community leaders, educators among others to join hand with government, NDLEA and law enforcement agencies to promote War Against Drug Abuse, ( WADA) for a healthy living
The chairman of the occasion and traditional ruler of Agunese Mmaku Igwe Cyprian. M Nevolisa represented by traditional Prime Minister, High Chief Fredrick Ngene in an address read by the palace secretary, Dr Obinna Chukwuobasi maintained that drug abuse is dangerous to the society as most of the crisis recorded in the society were under influence of dangerous drug.
He urged the youth to desist from illicit drugs.
A lecture was presented by David Folarinmi of David Folarinmi Foundation while students from some secondary schools from Enugu metropolis attended the events where they were urged to form part of agents of sensitization on the WADA.
High point of the occasion was decoration of governor as ambassador of WADA by the commander of the agency.
The World Drug Day (WDD) is celebrated annually on June 26.
The theme for this year’s celebration is: “Evidence is clear: Invest in Prevention”.