Kano: NDLEA Arrests 286 Suspects, Destroys Cannabis Farms

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Thursday disclosed it has arrested 286 suspects who deal with substance abuse. Among the suspects are 25 females.

Out of the total suspects held, 155 persons have been arraigned in court with 78 convictions, while 77 cases are pending, the agency said.

NDLEA Kano State Commander, Isah Likita Mohammed, who briefed reporters at the agency’s headquarters, added that four Cannabis Sativa farms were destroyed even as about 8,983.461 kg of illicit drugs were seized.

The illicit drugs, which were seized in 11 months, comprised of 7,701.906 kg of Cannabis Sativa, 1,281.333 kg of psychotropic substances, 0.157 kg of Cocaine and 0.065 kg of heroin.

Speaking at a conference in commemoration of this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, the NDLEA commander said the fight against drug abuse requires the participation of every member of the society if the war against the scourge must succeed.

He advised lawmakers in the country against legalising the use of illicit drugs because of economic value (revenues), considering the negative impacts on society.

Mohammed appealed to Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to complete the rehabilitation centre at the NDLEA headquarters to improve its operation at optimum capacity in drug demand reduction, particularly in the area of rehabilitation of drug-dependent persons.

He revealed that the agency is also challenged by the fact that one out of three cases submitted at the high court in Kano state comes from NDLEA. Of which it has been difficult to beat the time limit for prosecution of cases so as not to be sued for violation of human rights.

“There is a limit to which we can make an arrest and limited days which we can hold suspects. Presently, we have over 70 inmates which is above the capacity to which the cell can hold,” the commander said.