The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) seized 779.26kg of illicit drugs in Akwa Ibom in 2024, its Commander in the state, Mrs Obot Bassey said.
Briefing journalists in Uyo on Thursday, Bassey said that the command also secured the conviction of 56 drug offenders in the year under review.
She said that the Akwa command of the agency has remained steadfast and committed to reducing the demand for illicit drugs and other substances of abuse.
“In 2024, the NDLEA Akwa Ibom State Command seized over 779.262kg of illicit drugs, arrested more than 299 suspects including six drug barons that have been terrorising the peace of the state with their deadly merchandise.
“The command secured 56 convictions within the period under review.
“It did more than arrests and convictions. It recorded remarkable achievements in counselling and advocacy, two vital areas in war against illicit drugs.
“This created an optimal balance between the supply reduction and drug demand reduction,” Bassey said.
The commander added that during the period, the command counseled 204 people and successfully rehabilitated and integrated into the society 41 with substance use disorder.
According to her, cannabis sativa was the most prevalent drug commonly abused and trafficked by people in the state.
“From analysis, Cannabis sativa is the most prevalent drug commonly abused and trafficked by the people in Akwa Ibom State.
“The prevalent group of people that abuse and deal in drugs are the youths and the middle aged between the ages of 26 to 30 years,” the commander said.
Bassey further said that in 2025, the command would continue to collaborate and synergise with other security agencies to ensure drug demand reduction and increase the level of advocacy in the state.
She enjoined residents in the state to partner with the NDLEA to make Akwa Ibom a drug free state.
The commander regretted that the command had only two utility vehicles to cover 31 local government areas of the state, stressing that it was crossly inadequate.
She commended Gov Umo Eno and the State Government for their support to the agency in actualising its mandate.
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