The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA), Akwa Ibom State Command, has destroyed 2bn worth of harmful drugs weighing 2.768 tonnes in the state.
Brig. General Mohammed Marwa, chairman of the agency said this after he paid a courtesy visit to the deputy governor, Moses Ekpo, at Government House in Uyo.
Marwa, ably represented by the agency’s Secretary, Shedrach Haruna, highlighted the destroyed drugs which include cannabis sativa, cocaine, heroin and other psychotropic substances.
The chairman said the drugs were seized between 2014 and September 2021, adding that the destruction was in line with the agency’s Act which mandates it to take measures for the destruction of seized narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
The chairman who appreciated the federal and state governments and other partners for their support in the fight against illicit drugs, requested for land from the state government for the construction of a staff barracks for the command as well as the establishment of Drug-free Clubs in schools in order to curb the menace.
In his address, Moses Ekpo acknowledged the positive report- card of the Agency, commending Buba Marwa, as his appointment has positively altered the performance narrative of the agency nationwide.
He said the efforts of the NDLEA has resulted in the upsurge of drug seizures, arrest and convictions at critical drug corridors across the country, adding that the Akwa Ibom command made a recent arrest and seizure of 90 kilograms of substance suspected to be Amphetamine, and other seizures.
“This has obviously rubbed off on the Akwa Ibom State office, with the result that we have been able to more effectively contain the challenges of drug abuse and illicit trafficking”, he stated.
The Deputy Governor urged the Federal government to further empower the NDLEA with more funding to enable them to not only give support to state offices, but procure needed work tools for a revolution in the fight against unhealthy drug use.
Marwa disclosed that the agency recently launched a 24/7 toll-free call center for members of the public who may need help on drug-related matters.
