NDLEA arrests 186 in Cross River for drug-related offences

No fewer than 186 suspects were arrested by the Cross River Command of the NDLEA in connection with drug-related offences in 2015. This was disclosed by the State Commander of NDLEA, Mrs Anthonia Edeh, at an interactive session with some journalists in Calabar.

Edeh said that 368,908 kilograms of various categories of hard drugs were also impounded across the state during the period in focus. She said that the suspects included 169 males and 17 were females.

According to her, the Federal High Court in Calabar during the period convicted 54 suspects to various terms ranging from one to15 years.

Edeh said that the command also carried out counselling and sensitisation programmes in public places, including schools, motor parks and markets.

She said that 99 clients were counselled and reintegrated into the society while members of the public were sensitised on dangers of drug abuse and the need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The NDLEA boss appealed for support from the state government and other relevant stakeholders in the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

She also urged members of the public to offer information on illicit drug activities in the state. Edeh restated her command’s commitment to intensifying efforts in the fight against illicit drugs trafficking in the state.