The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Delta State Command, has secured the conviction of 248 persons for drug-related offences, while 223 cases remain pending before various courts in the state from July 2025 to date.

The Command also disclosed that it counselled 693 persons within the period as part of efforts to tackle drug abuse through prevention, early intervention and rehabilitation, in addition to its enforcement operations.

The State Commander of the NDLEA, Halilu Hamidi, disclosed the figures while briefing journalists in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, stressing that the fight against illicit drugs required a combination of enforcement, public education, counselling and rehabilitation.

According to him, the Command has continued to work closely with relevant judicial authorities to ensure that drug-related cases are properly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Hamidi explained that while arrests, seizures and prosecution remained critical components of the agency’s mandate, enforcement alone could not solve the growing drug problem.

He said, “Enforcement alone cannot solve the drug problem,” adding that the Command had therefore expanded its demand-reduction programmes to reach vulnerable individuals and communities.

He disclosed that 693 persons comprising 463 males and 230 females were counseled during the period under review.

The commander said the counselling initiative was designed to provide early intervention and support for people affected by drug abuse, while also helping to prevent further dependence and associated social problems.

He further revealed that the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign recorded activities in 181 locations across Delta State during the period.

According to him, the campaign forms part of the Command’s broader preventive strategy aimed at reducing the demand for illicit drugs, particularly among young people.

Hamidi said the NDLEA, in collaboration with the State Drug Control Committee (SDCC) and the Delta State Communication and Orientation Bureau, had continued to strengthen preventive drug education through WADA Clubs established in secondary schools across the state.

He explained that the clubs provide students with a platform to learn about the dangers associated with drug abuse, develop positive values and make informed decisions about their future.

Beyond secondary schools, the commander said the Command’s sensitisation programmes had been extended to the NYSC Orientation Camp, tertiary institutions, religious organisations, workplaces and communities.

He said the engagements were designed to ensure that families, youths, workers and community leaders understood the dangers of drug abuse and their responsibilities in prevention and early intervention.