By Ushang Ewa
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) command in Cross River State has said that 280 drugs and drug related suspects have been arrested in different locations in the state with 31 suspects convicted by the Federal High Court in Calabar.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State command, Mr. Kenneth Odilli which outlines achievements of the command in the period under review.
The command has impounded 613,709 kilograms of Cannabis Sativa (Indian hemp, Igbo, and Marijuana), 75.9 grams of Cocaine, 92.3 grams of Heroin, 349.8 grams of Tramadol, 100.1kg Ephedrine and 76.05 kilograms of Methamphetamine reports DailyPost.
“In our supply suppression efforts, three hectares of Cannabis Sativa farmland was discovered and destroyed at Balep forest, Ikom Local Government Area.
“As part of our drug demand reduction efforts a total of one hundred and ninety-four drug dependent persons were counseled; comprising one hundred and eighty males and fourteen females”.
“Our intelligence led investigation and diligent prosecution of cases, the Command secured thirty-one convictions at the Federal High Court, Calabar in respect of suspects with drug related offences.”
“We are not relenting in our efforts to ensure that we have a healthy drug free society and will continue to partner with stakeholders to achieve this.
“Drug problems and dependencies put a great deal of pressure on health care systems and constitute threat to the society and well-being of humans all around the globe.
“Long- term drug use has been linked to poor general health, contraction of diseases through needle sharing, trouble with the law, poor self-hygiene and alienation from loved ones, psychological illness and death from overdose,” the statement read in part.