Crime
THE Abia State Government has pledged to support the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) toward reducing high drug dependence by residents of the state.
Mr Dan Okoli, the Abia Commissioner for Homeland Security, nade the pledge when he visited the NDLEA office in Aba on Monday.
Okoli said the need to support the agency became imperative as most violent crimes were committed in the area under drug influence.
According to him, NDEA’s operations are required to reduce crime in the area.
“You find out that crimes are committed when the perpetrators are under influence; so, that is the root of crime and if you attack crime at its root it will be easier to uproot and eradicate.
“That is why I am interested in the NDLEA, and we will do our best to assist NDLEA to reduce drug abuse to the barest minimum in Abia.
“Supporting reduction of drug abuse in Abia will make it easier for me, my ministry and other security agencies in the state to curb crime.
“So, we are going to collaborate with NDLEA and synergise with other security agencies to reduce crime in Abia.
“We will also try to monitor the security agencies that we collaborate with, to reduce compromise because where you put your resources, you also look in there,” he said.
Reacting to 26 drug suspects arrested from “Milverton York” in Aba, the commissioner said he received information on evils going on there and passed the same to the NDLEA, which resulted in the timely arrest of the culprits.
He said part of his ministry’s mandate was advocacy, adding that community leaders, transport unions and vigilance groups had been sensitised to security issues.
Earlier, the NDLEA Commander in the state, Mr. Bamidele Akingbade commended the commissioner for visiting the agency to discuss issues that bother on drug abuse and trafficking.
Akingbade noted that Abia had a high preponderance of hard drug use but said the agency was doing its best to curb it.
He called for support in the areas of logistics, including vehicles.
On the arrested 26 suspects, Akingbade said it was part of the agency’s efforts to ensure that no drug dealer had a field day during the Yuletide in the state.
NAN reports that the agency confiscated assorted drugs including heroin, cocaine, marijuana, marijuana in hot drinks, packets of tramadol and cocaine from the suspects. (NAN)
– Jan. 20, 2020 @ 15:19 GMT |
Tags: Abia State to support NDLEA to reduce drug dependence
