NDEAL KANO.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) disposed of 15.7 tonnes of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances confiscated in Kano State. NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, stated that the drugs were apprehended by the state Command and Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) Special Area Command between October 2020 and October 2023.
Represented by NDLEA Director-General, Investigation, Samuel Bashir-Gadzama, Marwa emphasized that the public burning of the illicit drugs aimed to prevent their reintroduction into society.
Furthermore, the Commander of the NDLEA in the state, Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, reported that the destroyed substances, totaling 15,193.365 kg of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, included 9,824.098 kg of Cannabis Sativa and 1.8665 kg of Cocaine.
He mentioned that additional items comprised 4,694.298 kg of Psychotropic Substances, 9 grams of Methamphetamine, 10 kg of Barbiturate, and 663 kg of expired drugs. Additionally, a combined total of 528.511 kg of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances were confiscated from the Aminu Kano International Airport.
“The 528.511 Kg of drugs were made up of 169 kg of Psychotropic Substance, 6 kg of Cannabis Sativa, 4.3 kg of Cocaine, 5.211 kg of Methamphetamine, and 344 kg of Khat.
“These substances have been a plague on our society, causing untold harm and devastation to many of our young people,’’ the commander added.
Mr. Idris-Ahmad expressed appreciation for the steadfast dedication of the Kano State Government, judges, other collaborating security agencies, and Non-Governmental Organizations in the ongoing battle against the drug menace.
“We appreciate the Emirate Councils for their unique and effective intervention in insisting on drug tests before appointments,’’ he added.
The commander announced that the NDLEA has sanctioned the creation of Divisional Narcotic Offices in each local government area across Nigeria to bolster the efforts in combating drug trade and abuse.
“Let this serve as a warning to those who trade in these destructive substances that there is no hiding place for them in Kano state.
“We will not rest until every corner of this state is free from drugs and every young person can live a life free from the influence of illicit substances,’’ he assured.
In his remarks, Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf praised the efforts of the NDLEA and other security agencies in combating the drug menace. Represented by his Chief of Staff, Shehu Wada-Sagagi, Mr. Kabir-Yusuf highlighted that a significant number of illicit drug users in the state were teenagers.
He assured that the government was prepared to address the situation to improve the overall well-being of the state.