NDLEA arrests 70 suspects for drug offences

The Bayelsa Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Monday said it had arrested 70 suspects for drug offences since January this year. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 61 of the suspects were males while nine were females.

Mrs Josephine Obi, the Bayelsa Commandant of NDLEA, made the disclosure at a news conference on the activities of the agency in Yenagoa. Obi said that the agency also seized 97.75 kg of various hard drugs from January till date.

According to the figures provided by the Command, it arrested the highest number of drug suspects-- 23 males and one female-- in May.It, however, made the least number of arrests in March with three males and one female.

Obi noted that the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking were destroying lives in the society.

She said that the agency was able to achieve this record due to its regular surveillance and raids on illegal drug dealers in locations across the state.

According to her, the agency also adopted the tool of advocacy and public enlightenment on the ills of drug abuse.

"We have also carried out eight lectures in various schools, ministries and town halls. Forty four persons were referred for counselling but have completed the three months counselling process. Four persons have been referred for rehabilitation outside the state while two persons are on the waiting list awaiting availability of bed space in the rehabilitation centre,’’ Obi said.