Crime
THE Edo Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, it arrested no fewer than 145 suspected traffickers.
Mr Buba Wakawa, State Commander of the Agency, disclosed this on Friday in Benin during the celebration of the 2020 International Day Against Illicit Drugs Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Wakawa said that the arrests were made between January and June.
He added that seizure of 7,905.1008 kilogrammes of various narcotic drugs were made within the period.
Represented by Mr Usman Suleman, Assistant Commander, Administration and Logistics in the command, Wakawa said the arrested suspects comprised of 101 males and 44 females.
He also disclosed that the bulk of the drug seized were cannabis Sativa with 7,880.3128 kilogrammes while psychotropic substances were 24.788 kilogrammes.
He added that three cannabis farms were identified and destroyed measuring 2,290.259 hectares with an estimated yield of 10,993.2432 kilogrammes of cannabis.
He also disclosed that six vehicles used in conveying illicit drugs were impounded along with one motorcycle.
“63 persons with drug abuse disorders were successfully counseled, rehabilitated, and reunited with their families.
“Two others found to be abusing multiple drugs and refereed by their parents are currently undergoing counseling. The command also secured seven convictions while 174 cases are pending in court.”
Wakawa further said that the statistics of arrests and seizures during the coronavirus pandemic underscore the fact that stakeholders must continue to rise to the challenge of illicit drug production, trafficking, and abuse.
“Many families are in pain of drug abuse disorders by a loved one. Unfortunately, many cannot identify signs of drug use neither do they know how to seek help.”
Meanwhile, Dr Patrick Okundia, Edo Commissioner for Health and Chairman Edo State Drug Control Committee (ESDCC) said that several community advocacy programmes, including media outreaches have been held by the committee.
“In line with our elaborate work plan, anti-Drug Abuse Billboard campaign was launched in the last quarter of 2019. The committee is poised to scaling-up its campaign programme in schools, workplaces, markets, churches, and mosques,” he said.
He added that the theme was aimed at increasing public awareness on the subject of drug abuse which was greatly misunderstood by most people including policy makers and service providers who saw it as a moral failure or a crime to be punished.
He said: “Drug use disorders are multi-factorial health issues due to a complex interplay of factors that are very much out of the control of the individual, including genetics, mental health, and environmental. It should not be punished or considered self-acquired.”
He noted that the above view was also upheld by the Member States in the Outcome Document of the 2016 United Nations General Assembly Special Session on the World Drug Problem.
He urged members of the public to consult the World Drug Report 2020 as a knowledge product for sharing trusted and accurate information about the world drug problem.
“The more knowledge people have concerning drug abuse, the more successful our intervention efforts and solidarity among stakeholders,” the Commissioner said.
He also cited the World Drug Report 2020 released in Vienna on Thursday by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) that global drug use was rising while COVID-19 has a far-reaching impact on global drug markets.
“An estimated 269 million people used drugs worldwide in 2018, which is 30 percent more than in 2009, while over 35 million people suffer from drug use disorders the report stated.
“The report also analysed the impact of COVID-19 on the drug markets, and that while its effects are not yet fully known, border and other restrictions linked to the pandemic have already caused shortages of drugs on the street, leading to increased prices and reduced purity”.
NAN reports that the theme of this year event was “Better Knowledge for Better Care”. (NAN)
– Jun. 26, 2020 @ 14:55 GMT |
Tags: 000kg of drugs confiscates 8 NDLEA arrests 145 suspected traffickers
