By IBIRONKE ARIYO

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled several drug joints and bunks within and around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja in a non-stop two-week offensive action against traffickers and dealers.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi, on Friday in Abuja.

Babafemi said that a total of 132 suspects were arrested and 220kg of assorted illicit substances recovered.

He said that the well-coordinated raids jointly conducted by the Agency’s Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) and the FCT Strategic Command from April 11 to April 25 were launched to dismantle illicit drug hubs contributing to substance abuse.

This, he said included trafficking, and associated criminal activities in the capital city after weeks of intelligence and surveillance across all identified hotspots.

“Areas where notorious drug joints were raided, dismantled and suspects arrested include: Torabora hills, Area 3, Gwarinpa, AYA, Durumi, Banex, Dei-Dei, Kubwa, Apo, Kwali, Gwagwalada, Wuse Zone 4, Garki Area 10, Jabi, and Suleja axis among others.

“Recovered from the various bunks and joints include: 214.79kg of skunk, a strain of cannabis; 5.524 kg of Diazepam; 2.352kg of Exol; 1.119 kilograms of Tramadol;

“Others are 145.8g of Mogadon; 93.52g of Cocaine; 84.3g of Rohypnol; 10.9 grams of Methamphetamine; 3.17g of Ecstasy; and six bottles of Codeine syrup, “he said.

Babafemi said that despite the stiff resistance encountered by operatives at the Durumi Area 1 and Suleja market axes during the operation, the superior strength and professionalism of the NDLEA officers effectively subdued the syndicates.

This, he added led to the successful disruption of their distribution networks, without recording any casualty.

Briefing the NDLEA Chairman, retired, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa on the outcome of the special operation, the Agency’s Director of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI), DCGN Ahmed Sule Ningi, commended the resilience, coordination, and professionalism of all participating officers, men and women.

He emphasised the need for sustained operational pressure to consolidate the gains recorded during the exercise.

In his response, Marwa hailed the officers, men and women of DOGI, the FCT Strategic Command and other formations that participated in the operation for their commitment to cleaning up the capital city and its environs.

He directed that the operational model be replicated across other high-risk urban centres to sustain the pressure on drug cartels and effectively suppress both demand and supply of illicit substances nationwide. (NAN)

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