NDLEA Seizes Over 1 Million Kg of Drugs, Arrests 222 in Abia State Crackdown

The Abia State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confiscated more than 1.09 million kilograms of illegal drugs and apprehended 222 suspects in a sweeping anti-drug operation carried out over the past year.

Acting State Commander, Chigbu Odoemelam Chilee, shared the development during a press briefing held in Aba, as part of the activities leading up to the 2025 United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which is observed globally on June 26.

Commander Chilee revealed that the bulk of the confiscated drugs include cannabis sativa, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine (popularly known as mkpurummiri), diazepam, and codeine. He noted that methamphetamine remains the most prevalent illicit substance in the state.

He explained that NDLEA’s operations are structured into two primary fronts:

• Supply reduction, involving arrests and seizures; and

• Demand reduction, focused on rehabilitation and public sensitization.

“A total of 1,094,000 kg of illegal drugs were seized, and 222 suspects arrested in one year,” he said, highlighting Aba and Umuahia as the major drug abuse hotspots in the state. Chilee also mentioned the state command’s rehabilitation centre in Aba, regarded as one of the best in the country based on patient intake and recovery statistics.

He appreciated Governor Alex Otti for donating a vehicle and providing support for the establishment of a second rehabilitation centre in Umuahia, expected to become operational soon.

The commander noted a higher number of male patients in rehabilitation but emphasized that societal factors such as cultural taboos, stigma, and religion may prevent women from seeking help despite being affected.

In line with this year’s theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” the agency has organized week-long events to combat drug abuse. These include:

• A public walk against drug trafficking in Umuahia

• Sensitisation sessions in mosques and churches

• A novelty football match between NDLEA officers and rehabilitation clients

• A media briefing for awareness

Chilee called for public cooperation, urging the community to support NDLEA’s mission. “The drug problem is a societal issue, and we need everyone involved,” he stressed.

He assured that with the recent inauguration of the State Drug Control Committee, Abia residents should expect more intensified operations and preventive strategies to make the environment hostile for drug traffickers.

The agency’s Public Relations Officer, Ikechukwu Akunne, announced that the 2025 UN Anti-Drug Day event will be held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Abia.