Imo State Command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA, says it arrested 192 drug offenders and convicted 30 male suspects between June 2023 and June 2024 in the State.

Abdullahi Saeed, the state Commander of the anti-narcotic agency disclosed this on Wednesday during the commemoration of United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking held at the NDLEA’s office, Owerri

Saeed said that out of 192 drug offenders arrested, 171 are male while 21 are female.

He disclosed that the command made a seizure of 2,639.27kg of various types of drugs ranging from cocaine, and marijuana amongst others with cannabis ranked as the highest in terms of quantity.

The NDLEA boss said the office has rehabilitated 40 drug users through counselling who have reunited with their family members.

He lamented that a good number of youths in the country both male and female particularly those in secondary schools and tertiary institutions now embrace drug abuse without hesitation.

He said: “This, already, is creating a huge problem for the society. It is a well-known fact that drug addiction and trafficking is connected to other crimes such as banditry, kidnapping, murder, suicide, rape, etc”.

The State commander said that June 26th is commemorated every year by nations of the world with a week-long of activities.

He said that this year’s theme for the commemoration: is “Evidence is Clear; Invest in Prevention”, which reminds the world that it pays to prevent drug abuse.

Saeed observed that issue of drug abuse cannot be handled by NDLEA alone without the collaboration of other sister agencies, and organisations in society

He posited that there must be a collective sustenance of war on drug abuse and illicit trafficking for common good to ensure peaceful, prosperous and secure nation.

“The sustenance of war on drug abuse is the right and appropriate course of action to undertake now for more immediate good and for the security of our future”. he said

Series of lectures were delivered by eminent scholars in different fields of discipline which centered on drug abuse.

Highpoint of the event was the display of cultural dance from different schools in attendance.