The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Akwa Ibom Command arrested 385 suspects, comprising 343 males and 42 females in 2019.
The State Commander of NDLEA, Mr Mohammed Sokoto, who stated this Tuesday in a press statement signed by him and made available to newsmen in Uyo, said the command secured 24 convictions and seized 525.274kg of drugs during the period.
On drug demand deduction, the command rehabilitated and counselled 225 clients and people who use drugs, adding that 16 drug dependent persons were successfully rehabilitated including two medical students.
“Analysis of threat indicates that cannabis sativa is the most prevalent drug commonly abused and trafficked by the people of Akwa Ibom.
“The prevalent group of people that abuse and deal in drugs are youth and middle aged.
“The arrest and seizures were carried out in joint, motor parks, shops, schools, streets and houses of dealers,” Sokoto said.
The state commander said that the command worked hard to limit the supply and abuse of hard drugs and other psychoactive substances.
He called on youths to abstain from use of drugs as it has no health benefits, instead would damage their organs and put them into trouble.
Sokoto said that the command faced logistics challenge, as it has only one operational Hilux vehicle to cover the 31 local government areas of the state.
“Despite the enormous drugs abuse problem in the state and achievement by the command in 2019, it is regrettable to note that the Agency has only one serviceable operational vehicle.
“I wish to use this medium to appeal to His Excellency for the umpteenth, to assist the command with operational Hilux vehicle to carry out it mandate of keeping Akwa Ibom State drug free,” he said.
