The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has discovered and destroyed two hectares of land used for the cultivation of Cannabis sativa, otherwise called Indian hemp, in Imo State.

The agency also arrested one of the proprietors of the farm, situated at Umuagu, Umuguma community in Owerri West Council Area of the state.

A source said the agency began a manhunt forthe owner and other operators of the farm, which was described as the largest Indian hemp farm ever discovered in the state.

“On 26th May, 2022, operatives of the NDLEA in Imo State raided a Cannabis farm in Umuagu, Umuguma in Umuguma Community in Owerri. Also, suspects were arrested at the farm which is the biggest Indian hemp farm ever in Imo State,” the source said.

Contacted, the spokesperson for the Agency in the state, Shehu Lamuwa, confirmed the report, but declined to give further details.

Recall that Imo Commander of the Agency, Ruben Apeh, had at the event marking the 2022 United Nation’s day against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking, expressed worry over the prevalence of drug abuse in the state, especially within the last one year.

He stressed that the activities of drug peddlers in Imo State has become so alarming and increasingly becoming sophisticated among the younger segments of the state population.

“We therefore call on our stakeholders and the media to arise to the occasion of partnering with the Agency to reach out to people by way of sensitizing them about the dangers of drug abuse because mobilising and informing the citizenry is the only way forward to discourage the youths and adults from drug abuse.” he appealed.