From Mustapha Adamu, Kano
The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kano State has arrested 2,119 suspected drug traffickers, according to the outgoing Commander of Kano command, Dr Ibrahim Abdul.
Addressing journalists on his achievement, as part of his farewell ceremony, Abdul said the command had secured the conviction of 205 suspects from December, 2018 to date.
The commander was transferred to the NDLEA headquarters, Abuja as Director, Assets and Financial Investigation Department.
According to Abdul, during his stay in office, the command was able to arrest 2,119 suspects, out of which 2,017 were males while 102 were females.
“During the period under review, the agency was able to intercept 13,505.587 kilograms of different exhibits due to the relentless efforts of our officers.
“We were able to intercept 10,032.109 kilograms of cannabis Savita, 3,412.268 kilograms of Psychotropic substances and 3.171 kilograms of Cocaine.
“And it was during my period the command was able to intercepted over two kilograms of Cocaine at a time.
“Within the period, our officers were also able to intercept 60.000 kilograms of Khat, substance imported from outside the country, and also intercepted 0.039 kilograms of heroin.”
According to the NDLEA Commander, the command was also able to counsel 1,619 drug users, and destroyed 28,167.629 kilograms of illicit drugs from Nov. 2018 to date.
“During my stay in office, for the first time in the history of the command, we discovered and destroyed two cannabis sativa plantations at Wailari, in the Kumbotso Local Government Area of the state.
“We also discovered a clandestine laboratory at Eastern bypass in Nasarawa Local Government Area where cough syrup with codeine is produced.
“Within the period, Kano State recorded a significant improvement in the (UNODC) ranking, from 1st to 6th position in terms of abuse and trafficking.
“It was during the period we introduced drug screening for appointees of political Office holders and also traditional title appointees.” He said.
The commander explained that the command was able to save an innocent girl from being executed by the Saudi Arabia’s Government after illicit drugs were found in her luggage.
According to him, the command was able to arrest and prosecute those airport officials and traveling agents who were used to put the drugs in her bag while traveling to Saudi Arabia.
Abdul further expressed concern over the non-completion of the command’s abandoned 150 capacity rehabilitation centre by the state government after he has made a series of efforts to see the completion.
He also commended the state government, Kano Emirate council, traditional and religious leaders l and all other stakeholders for their support towards his success in office.
He also commended the recent appointment of Brig-Gen Buba Marwa retired as the Chairman of the NDLEA, saying there was a lot of improvement in the agency within his short period in office.
