NDLEA arrests 64 suspects, seizes 517kg illicit drugs in Sokoto

The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested no fewer than 64 suspects, including seven drug dealers after raid of some hotels in Sokoto.

Mr Muhammad Iro, the NDLEA Commandant, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday that more than 517 kilogrammes of illicit drugs were seized from the suspects.

According to Iro, the raid is part of efforts to tackle criminal elements before the general election.

“Our operatives in the first raid seized 473 Kilogrammes of Cannabis sativa, 4.3 Kilogrammes Cordine, 10 grams of Rafinole and seven grams of methamphetamine.

“We arrested no fewer than 64 person, in which during investigation, identified seven to be among suspected drug dealers in the state.

“A total of 57 others were identified as drug users who will be engaged into rehabilitation programme of the NDLEA.

“However, the seven suspected drug dealers will soon be charged to court,” he added.

The commandant added that the operation which was supported by other security agencies, will continue.

“It is part of the NDLEA war against drug abuse and to sanitise the society of criminal elements head of the forthcoming general election in the state.

“We are optimistic that without the consumption of hard drugs, criminal activities and other social vices will be minimal, if not totally addressed.

“As such, we will continue to wage war on drug merchants and users as part of ensuring the forthcoming election is devoid of any crime in relation to drug abuse,” he said.

Iro said the command would sensitise all hotel operators in the state on the need to evaluate their customers and details of their activities in their facilities.

He added that the NDLEA will not hesitate to seal any hotel found to be harbouring drug dealers.