Drug Abuse: NDLEA Arrests 186 Suspects In Jigawa

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Jigawa State has arrested 186 suspects and seized 61.24kilograms of various narcotics and psychotropic substances in the state.

The State Commander of the Agency, Barrrister Josephine Ruth, disclosed this on Wednesday at a press conference in the state capital to mark the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse.

According to her, the suspects were accused of abusing drugs such as codeine, cannabis, and other nonconventional substances and the agency has already prosecuted and convicted 22 persons, while 108 persons are undergoing counselling.

Speaking further, she explained that while the agency has faced several challenges in the discharge of its duties such as a shortage of manpower, it continues to partner with sister-agencies to achieve its goals.

“We usually seek assistance from the police when we want to go out for raids in order to complement our strength because we usually face resistance from the suspect because of our number,” Josephine said.

She, however, thanked the state government for its support particularly for the establishment of a rehabilitation centre in the state.