The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Adamawa State Command, has announced a major breakthrough in its ongoing war against drug trafficking and abuse, revealing the arrest of 58 suspected drug traffickers and users in the month of September alone.

Speaking during a press briefing, the State Commander, Barrister Aliyu Abubakar, detailed the Command’s operations, which led to the seizure of large quantities of illicit substances, destruction of cannabis farms, and rehabilitation of drug-dependent individuals across the state.

According to the Commander, the arrests include 56 males and 2 females, while the total drugs seized comprise 366.8kg of cannabis sativa and 209.8kg of psychotropic substances. In addition, 7 hectares of cannabis plantation were destroyed during the operations.

One of the most significant seizures, The Guardian learnt, occurred in Lamurde Local Government Council, where NDLEA officers intercepted a Honda Pilot SUV with registration number GUY 12AA (Adamawa).

The vehicle, which was transporting over 500 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa from Akure, Ondo State, to Mubi, led to the arrest of two siblings who are allegedly notorious for drug trafficking in the region. A follow-up raid at their residence in Mubi resulted in the recovery of an additional 49 blocks of cannabis.

In another development, operation code-named “Operation Farauta”, NDLEA operatives, in collaboration with soldiers and community members, seized 131kg of psychotropic substances and impounded a Toyota Sienna used for transporting the drugs. The raid in Mijilu Village, in Mubi North Local Government Council, also uncovered and destroyed a 6-hectare cannabis farm, with five suspects apprehended on site.

As part of its drug demand reduction efforts, the NDLEA said it has rehabilitated and counselled over 79 drug-dependent persons, aged between 18 and 43 years. The Command also announced that it conducted 24 drug integrity tests during the month, aimed at promoting a drug-free workforce and reducing the influence of drugs in higher institutions across the state.

Abubakar commended the support of sister security agencies, especially the army, for their collaborative efforts in tackling the drug menace. He emphasized that the War Against Drug Abuse requires sustained vigilance and intelligence-led operations.

The Commander appealed to the public for continued cooperation, urging residents to report drug-related activities. He assured that all information provided would be treated with the utmost confidentiality.