The NDLEA has arrested 251 individuals in Benue for drug-related crimes

THE Benue command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says the agency arrested 251 suspects for various drug-related crimes in 2024.

The State Commander of NDLEA, Mrs Esther Musa, disclosed in an interview with Newsmen on Wednesday in Makurdi.

Musa, while highlighting the achievements of the command from January to December 2024, said that 220 of those suspects were male while 31 were female.

The commander told TrackNews Media that 31 of the suspects were convicted to various jail terms, 39 of the cases were dropped, and others were ongoing.

She further said that the command also seized different substances and drug exhibits from various suspects and also monetary exhibits.

“Cannabis sativa, popularly called weed, is the highest drug of them all. We were able to arrest one ton of cannabis (175.723 kg).

“The most common drug we have, Tramadol, is 43 kg, was seized and withdrawn from circulation, and also Fitamin 0.27 kg, Diazopharm 4.39 kg, and Codeine syrup 156.1 kg.

“Other items that were recovered within the year were locally made pistols, arms and ammunition, and explosives, which were transferred to the army and police, respectively.

“Our main achievement is centered around the area of arrest and seizures and WADA (War Against Drug Abuse) sensitization and prosecution.

“WADA is an enlightenment campaign that is championed by the agency to sensitize different target audiences and the populace on the menace and dangers of drug abuse, trafficking, cultivation, and other offenses as it leads to substance abuse,” she said.

Musa said that the agency organized 142 different enlightenment programs, predominantly in schools and worship centers.

The commander added that law enforcement agencies, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders were sensitized about the effects of drugs or substance abuse.

“Our supply reduction effort is centered on enlightenment, sensitization, and advocacy, and the command intends to intensify its efforts on sensitization to prevent the populace from being entangled with drugs.

“It is better to sensitize the people than to go after the dealers, as it is cheaper with sensitization and advocacy than going out for arrest and seizures.

“We appeal to well-meaning Nigerians, the Benue Government, and non-governmental organizations to provide the command with a more standard rehabilitation center to help rehabilitate drug users.

“We have a mini rehabilitation center within the premises of the command where a professional takes care of the place; the only problem is the facilities at the center are not of standard.

“As it is now, we don’t have facilities for females, and we have been getting requests for rehabilitation for female clients, but there is no facility for that, so when they come, we decline,” she said.

Musa urged the youths to shun any temptation of indulging in drug abuse, as it is detrimental to their health and future. So as not to kill the star in them.