NDLEA seizes over 783kg of hard drugs in Cross River

The Cross River State command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said a total of 783.78kg of hard drugs were seized in the state last year.

The state Commander, Racheal Umebuali, disclosed this in her office during an interview with journalists in Calabar on Wednesday

She disclosed that between January and December 2024, the state command apprehended 274 persons, secured convictions for 38 suspects, and also filled 45 fresh cases in court within the period under review.

According to her, “Between January 2024 to December 2024, the Cross River State command of the NDLEA seizes a total of 783.78kg of drugs.

“These comprise 661.376kg of Cannabis Sativa, 52.26g of cocaine, 36.35g of heroin, 37.365kg of psychotropic substances, and 154.73g of methamphetamine.

“Besides this, the command arrested 274 suspects, secured 38 convictions, and filed 45 drug-related offences within the period.”

She also identified some drug hotspots and stubborn areas in the state including Calabar South, Obudu, Abi, Ogoja, Biase, and Ugep.

Umebuali explained that beyond going after persons with drugs, the command also reached out to over 41,000 people at various times and levels including students, market women, offices, and organizations to sensitize them on the effects of drug abuse.

The state commander also said the command arrested some pharmacists who exceeded their legally required license to store three controlled drugs and also destroyed farmlands where cannabis was cultivated in different locations in the state.

She solicited greater partnership with the Cross River state government for the provision of logistics like operational vehicles, communication gadgets, and a rehabilitation center to adequately reform the victims.