The National Drug Law Enforcement (NDLEA )Bayelsa State Command has intercepted 584.171 Kilogtamns of various hard drugs and arrested 559 suspects while; 31 cases have been charged to Court.
This was disclosed by the State Commander, Kanu Chukwuemeka during this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with the theme:” The Evidence is Clear, Invest in Prevention,” in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
According to Chukwuemeka, this year’s theme is very apt and aligns with the agency’s efforts to create a society free from the scourge of drug abuse.
He noted that this year’s event is being celebrated with a clarion call for collective action to combat the menace of substance abuse.
He highlighted the agency’s achievements in the past year, including the successful rehabilitation of 25 clients, conducting 693 integrity drug tests.
The Commander cited the non-availability of gunboats as a significant hindrance to effective operations in these areas, adding that to address this challenge, the Command is intensifying plans to acquire a gunboat to enhance its capacity to cover and effectively patrol the riverine communities, thereby strengthening its efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking and abuse.
He noted that the command is working in synergy with other security agencies to rid the state of banned and illicit substances.
Chukwuemeka expressed gratitude to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, for donating two brand new operational vehicles to the Command, and appreciated the support and commitment of the government and people of Bayelsa State in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.