No fewer than 120 suspected drugs traffickers and addicts have been arrested by the NDLEA in Kaduna State from January to date.

The State’s Commander, Mr Samuel Azige, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Sunday in an interview that 20 convictions were recorded in the period under review.

Azige, who spoke on the sideline of road walk to mark the 2016 International Day against Drug Abuse and illicit Drug Trafficking, added that 15.599 tons of drugs were also recovered from the suspects.

“The agency arrested 74 suspected drug traffickers, seized 15.342 tons of illicit drugs, secured 10 convictions and rehabilitated 68 drugs addicts from January to March.

“While 44 suspects were arrested, 155 kilogrammes of drugs seized and 10 convictions secured from April to date,” he said.

He however noted that there has been a slight decrease in illegal drugs related offences in the state in the second quarter when compared with the first quarter of the year.

He attributed the success recorded by the agency as a collaborative effort with other security agencies in the state.

NAN reports that 26 of every year have been set aside by the UNODC to enlighten the public on the ills of drug abuse.

The day helps government agencies and stakeholders to review successes in the fight against drug abuse and determine whether the trend is increasing or decreasing in our various communities.

Azige blamed the level of drug abuse in the society on joblessness, access to education, lack of parental care and peer group influence, among others.

At Murtala Square, the terminal point of the road walk, stakeholders rallied support for NDLEA in ridding the country of the menace of drug abuse.

Yohanna Buru, a pastor of Christ Evangelical and Intercessory Fellowship Kaduna, said the church and the Christian community would continue to support the ongoing war against drug abuse.

Buru said that the church would continue to caution members against taking illicit drugs.

Also speaking, the Head of Voter Education, Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission, Mr John Bulus attributed some electoral violence to illicit drugs, particularly by the youths.

Bulus called on all stakeholders to support the NDLEA to succeed in the war to ensure peaceful elections for the sustenance of the nation’s democracy.

Similarly, the official of the National Orientation Agency, Malam Lawal Fatika, commended NDLEA for the efforts and urged parents to pay attention to their children and ensure they imbibed good moral behaviour.

The road walk was organised by NDLEA in collaboration with Nigas Rehabilitation and Skills Acquisition Centre, Kaduna.

Some of the stakeholders who joined the walk include, National Orientation Agency, religious leaders and Red Cross Society among others, in company of security agencies. (NAN)

•Photo shows NDLEA operatives.

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