The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s Ogun State Command reported recovering 3.33 tonnes of cannabis sativa and 10.949kg of psychotropic drugs between January and May of this year.
Other seizures made during this period included 0.017kg of cocaine, 227.0 litres of skuchies, 11.0 litres of codeine, and 0.129kg of methamphetamine.
Tijjani Rabe, the NDLEA state commander, made the announcement at a news conference at the command’s headquarters in Abeokuta on Monday, ahead of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in 2024. Rabe stated that 147 individuals, 117 males and 30 females, were detained for various drug-related offences over the last five months, with 71 charged cases, 174 ongoing cases, and 86 convictions gained.
The commander stated that the topic of this year’s commemoration, ”The Evidence is Clear: Invest In Prevention,” emphasised the significance of a prevention-oriented strategy to reducing illicit drug use among youths, who are frequently affected by peer groups and the desire for acceptability.
According to Rabe, “Families, schools, religious organisations, and professional bodies must invest in prevention to stop activities that lead to illicit drug use.
“This year’s theme aligns with the command’s drug control initiatives, highlighted in our War Against Drug Abuse activities targeting schools, community leaders, religious organisations, and political leaders to improve the well-being of Ogun State residents.”
The state commander stated that the command has continued to conduct sensitization sessions in a variety of locations, including schools, faith-based groups, market associations, traditional institutions, hospitals, and community development associations. “To create a better, more secure environment and promote the well-being of Ogun State inhabitants, we must acknowledge the value of preventive.
This includes preventing drug use before it begins, identifying and intervening early in the lives of those at risk, and treating and rehabilitating those suffering from drug addiction. “Families, traditional institutions, schools, health professionals, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies must prioritise prevention and early detection to reduce illicit drug use,” said the officer in question.
In Essence
The recovery of over 3 tons of cannabis and other drugs by the NDLEA indicates a substantial amount of illegal drug activity in Ogun State. This is a serious public health concern.
The NDLEA’s outreach programs targeting schools, religious groups, and community leaders are a step in the right direction. Community-wide efforts are essential to reduce drug use.
