Barely two months after the inauguration, the Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking said 230 peddlers have been sentenced to prison of over 380 arrested.

Besides the prosecution of traffickers, the taskforce raised concern over the increasing number of evacuated addicts  already overcrowding the Kiru reformative centre.

Addressing journalists on Tuesday, Chairman of the Task Force, Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado disclosed that operation of the committee has yielded significant results.

According to him, the enforcement dislodged hot spots and criminal hideouts in areas including Race Course, Filin Idi, Filin Mahaha, Tashar Rami, Kawo and Tashar Rimi, where traffickers intercepted.

The Chairman worried over influx of  expired and prescriptions pharmaceuticals include Exol-5, Diazepam, Pentazocine injection, Tramadol, Rubber Solution and a designer drug containing Methamphetamine.

He expressed particular concern over the seizure of about 870,000 Pregabalin capsules from a pharmaceutical company in the state, describing the development as a suspected diversion of controlled drugs from the legitimate supply chain.

The chairman called on pharmaceutical companies, pharmacy managers, superintendent pharmacists and other relevant personnel to strengthen internal controls and ensure transparent supply-chain practices.

Magaji said the operations also led to the recovery of locally made weapons, including knives, cutlasses, daggers, clubs and other offensive weapons allegedly used by suspected drug dealers and thugs.

On conviction, the leader of the Taskforce explained that two men were convicted for allegedly exposing 43 underage children, who were engaged in street scavenging, to intoxicating substances.

According to him, the rescued children have undergone medical examinations and are receiving counselling and treatment, while efforts are ongoing to trace their families. He said some of the children had already been reunited with their families.

He also exposed the prosecution of former local council Chairman over alleged injection of Pentazocine on innocent residents. He disclosed that the Taskforce arrested the former council Chairman alleged injection of a 63-year-old woman.

Magaji said beyond enforcement, the taskforce intensified prevention, sensitization and rehabilitation programmes across communities, schools, markets and religious institutions.