NDLEA Arrests 29,262 Suspects, Seizes N1.5tn in Drugs

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reported the arrest of 29,262 suspects and the seizure of illicit drugs valued at N1.5 trillion over the last 18 months. Brig Gen Buba Marwa, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, disclosed these figures during an event in Abuja on Friday, which marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The agency has intensified intelligence-led operations against drug syndicates, leading to the dismantling of transnational trafficking networks, including the arrest of a 63-year-old Nigerian drug baron, Innoc Anoichili, and three Mexican nationals. The NDLEA has also conducted 6,645 awareness campaigns, reaching nearly five million Nigerians.

In total, 5,305,484.88 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs were seized, and 5,225 offenders were convicted. Marwa emphasized the need for collaborative efforts from parents, schools, and religious leaders to combat substance abuse effectively.