By Ngozi Chiadikaobi, Awka
Mr Daniel Onyishi, Anambra State Commander of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), disclosed that from June 2023 to June it arrested a total of 360 suspects in connection with various drug related offenses.
Onyishi also said that 197 persons have been prosecuted for illicit trafficking of drugs in Anambra in the year under review
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The state commander, disclosed this in Awka, on Wednesday during the 2024 United Nation’s Day Against Drug Abuse and 10th edition of drug quiz competition for Secondary Schools in Anambra.
Onyishi disclosed that the events were sponsored by the Traditional Ruler of Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, Igwe. Alexander Onyido, a pharmacist by profession.
According to Onyishi, the command also counselled and rehabilitated 258 former drug addicts and reconciled them back to their family.
He said that a total of 2.8557 tons of drugs including cannabis and other dangerous substances within the year were seized.
He explained that the command achieved the feat through collaborative efforts with other sister security agents and communities.
Onyishi assured that the agency would never relent in increasing its awareness campaign over dangers of drugs and substance abuse which is prevalence amongst young people, especially students.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and traditional ruler of Awka, Obi Gibson Nwosu, represented by his Palace Secretary, Chief Pius Okonkwo described the year’s international drug day as very apt.
He urged community leaders and families to sensitise their members on its inherent dangers and how to survive without drugs
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On his part, the Acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, represented by the Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Solomon Nwigbo, commended NDLEA’s efforts to fight drug abuse.
He unveiled the institution’s drug policy which among other things, prohibited drugs and substance abuse for serene environment, effective teaching and learning.
Earlier, the sponsor of the programme, Onyido, represented by his son, Ikenna Onyido, said that they would not be tired in its fights against abuse of drugs.
He explained that the awareness campaign would be sustained to sanitise the society, including schools of drugs and substance abuse for sustainable growth and development of the state.
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