Yenagoa, June 26 – The Bayelsa State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant strides in the fight against illicit drug trafficking, arresting 155 suspects for various drug-related offenses.
This was disclosed by the State NDLEA Commander, Kanu Chukwuemeka, during a press briefing in Yenagoa on Wednesday.
Speaking at the event marking the 2024 United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, themed “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” Chukwuemeka highlighted the command’s recent achievements, including the seizure of 97.826kg of various illicit drugs.
However, he expressed concerns over the challenges faced by the command, particularly the frequent attacks on its personnel and the lack of a marine unit and gunboats essential for combating drug trafficking in the coastal areas. “Lagos State, with its coastal communities, has a full-fledged marine unit with gunboats. Bayelsa, with its riverine coastal communities, also deserves a marine unit and gunboats. This is something we have been clamoring for,” Chukwuemeka stated. “Our men are always attacked while on duty by youths. Though this has constituted a challenge, it has not deterred them from performing their duties.”
Despite these challenges, the command has recorded notable successes under Chukwuemeka’s leadership. Fourteen youths have been admitted for in-patient drug rehabilitation, with six successfully rehabilitated and discharged. “The NDLEA also carried out Integrity Drug Tests for early detection, prevention, and treatment of substance abuse. We have successfully conducted these tests on over 100 persons in the state from January to date,” he added.
Additionally, the command has provided brief intervention counseling for 107 clients, comprising 76 males and 31 females. The War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign has also been extended to communities, schools, churches, motor parks, markets, and radio stations, reaching a wide audience across Bayelsa State.
Chukwuemeka reaffirmed the command’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse and trafficking, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures and community engagement in the fight against illicit drugs.
