NDLEA Reports Confiscation of Illicit Drugs Valued at N57 Million in Abuja Within Eight-Month Period

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the federal capital territory (FCT) has revealed that they intercepted approximately 3,091.032 kg of prohibited substances from January to August. Kabir Tsakuwa, the FCT NDLEA commandant, disclosed this information during an interview with NAN in Abuja on Wednesday.

Tsakuwa stated that the estimated value of the seized drugs was more than N56.9 million. The seized substances comprised cannabis sativa, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, tramadol, rohypnol, diazepam, ecstasy, and megadon. Notably, cannabis sativa constituted the largest proportion of the seizures.

During the same period, a total of 343 individuals suspected of drug-related activities were apprehended, consisting of 328 males and 15 females. Tsakuwa also mentioned that 188 of these suspects were prosecuted, leading to 126 convictions and varying prison sentences.

Tsakuwa detailed the breakdown of the seized substances: “The drugs confiscated included cannabis sativa weighing 3,022.529 kilograms, cocaine 0.114 kilograms, Methamphetamine 1.25 kilograms, and Heroin 0.0021 kilograms.” He further specified, “We also seized suspected Tramadol weighing 18.578 kilograms, Rohypnol 1.195 kilograms, Diazepam 4.471 kilograms, Ecstasy 0.113 kilograms, and Megadon 0.263 kilograms. The combined value of these drugs is approximately N56,903,600.”

In addition to the enforcement efforts, the commandant highlighted the agency’s efforts in the rehabilitation and counseling of individuals struggling with drug use. A total of 33 individuals with drug use disorders were provided with rehabilitation, while 102 drug users received counseling and were subsequently released.

Tsakuwa emphasized that the NDLEA would collaborate with other security agencies within the FCT to eradicate informal settlements and areas known for illegal drug activities.