By Maryam Afolabi & Suleiman Safiyah
Kwara State command of the Nigerian Drug Law and Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has disclosed that the agency has resumed it special operation Gbalumo which started last year December to include targeting top dealers of illicit drugs across the state.
State Commander Ibrahim Muhammed Bashir made this known during a press conference at the command headquarters in Ilorin the state capital.
He commended the executive governor of Kwara State for his immense support and funding of the special operation targeted at curtailing illegal drug activities in the state.
While speaking to Sobi FM the commander revealed that upon resumption of the operation last week Friday, the command has confiscated close to 270kg of different illicit drugs coming into the state. The strategic places he said were Patigi, Illesha- Baruba, Offa and within Ilorin.
The commander revealed that within Friday to this moment the agency has arrested about 31 suspects, confiscated 230kg of Cannabis and 40kg of Codine and Tramadol.
He said the agency also intercepted a vehicle carrying illicit drugs from Lagos to Niger through the state on Monday.
He further stated that substance use in the state is on the increase but with determination, more support from the governor particularly on logistics, cooperation from communities and professionalism from the agency’s officers the agency is ready to tackle the menace.
The commander added that the agency has devised a full force to cut down the supply chains of hard drugs and also active in addressing the demand aspect. He made known that officers in drug demand reduction in collaboration with the state drug control committee are set for community sensitization .
Also present at the press conference today was Senior special assistant on security matters to the governor, Muyideen Aliyu, who commended the officers for their hard work and maintenance of professionalism in their duty.
Aliyu said the agency’s special operation in the state has been impactful since it commencement and that illicit dealers relocation from the state is evident.
He added government support for the agency is crucial because drug abuse is the root of evil act in any society and negative influence on young children.
