The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Anambra State says it has recorded major successes in its fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse, with 559 suspects arrested and 128 convictions secured over the past 11 months.
Speaking in Awka on Wednesday during a media briefing ahead of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed annually on June 26, the State Commander, Charles Onubogu, outlined the command’s achievements since assuming office.
According to Onubogu, those arrested included 475 men and 84 women implicated in various drug-related offences.
He also disclosed that operatives recovered approximately 1.8 tonnes of different illicit substances during the review period.
The commander described the figures as evidence of the progress made in tackling drug crimes across the state.
He said, “Since I came into the command about 11 months ago, we have made seizures of more than a tonne of different categories of drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine and cannabis.
“In all, about 1.8 tonnes of illicit substances have been recovered, with a total of 559 suspects arrested and 128 convictions secured within the last 11 months.”
Beyond enforcement activities, Onubogu said the agency had provided rehabilitation services to 102 individuals struggling with drug dependence, consisting of 99 males and three females.
He noted that the rehabilitation programme goes beyond treatment, with beneficiaries also receiving vocational training in skills such as tailoring and soap production to support their reintegration into society.
The NDLEA chief further stated that several other drug users had benefited from counselling and early intervention programmes designed to help them overcome substance abuse.
While reaffirming the agency’s resolve to curb the circulation of illegal drugs through arrests, investigations and prosecutions, he stressed that equal attention was being given to preventive measures, including public enlightenment campaigns, counselling and rehabilitation initiatives.
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Onubogu maintained that the agency does not regard drug users as criminals but as people in need of assistance and recovery support.
“What we are mainly after are drug dealers. People who use drugs have problems and we need to help them.
They are taken through intervention and counselling programmes to guide them on how to stay off drugs.
“This year’s theme for the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, titled, ‘The World Drug Problem: Persistent Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses’, underscored the place of collaboration in fight against illicit drugs.
“The fight against drugs abuse and trafficking can’t be left to the NDLEA alone. All hands must be on deck to battle the scourge.
“The media, being a major stakeholder, civil society organisations and the public should use their various platforms to spread the message against drug abuse and reduce the menace in the society,” he added.
As part of activities marking the global anti-drug campaign, the commander announced plans for a road walk and other awareness programmes across the state.
Meanwhile, the NDLEA recently uncovered a multi-billion-naira clandestine methamphetamine production facility in Oyo State.
The operation also led to the arrest of five suspects, including a Mexican national alleged to have been recruited to provide technical expertise for the illegal drug manufacturing venture.