The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ogun Command, has expressed concern over the discovery and eventual dismantling of a mega methamphetamine laboratory in the state.

The agency warned drug traffickers to stay away from the State, declaring war against drug production and other criminal activities.

The State Commander of Narcotics, Tijjani Rabe, stated this on Thursday, while briefing newsmen, as part of activities marking the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with the theme “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses”, held in Abeokuta.

Rabe said the Command would continue to foil the activities of the drug traffickers despite adopting sophisticated methods to sustain their criminal activities.

The Commander stressed the need for heightened vigilance from members of the public considering the recent discovery and dismantling of a mega methamphetamine laboratory in the state.

Rabe expressed concern over abuse of prescription medicines such as benzodiazepines and tramadol, which he explained had continued to rise for other illicit purposes than the legitimate medical use.

While describing the distribution of narcotic and psychotropic substances as a major challenge in the state.

Rabe disclosed that between January and December 2025, the command arrested 771 suspects, comprising 650 males and 121 females. During the same period, 318 persons received counselling, while 159 convictions were secured.

He further disclosed that the command seized 6,179.25 kilograms of cannabis sativa, 236.51 kilograms of other illicit drugs, 1,435.62 litres of codeine syrup and 1,220.13 litres of liquid drugs, including skuchies and monkey tail.

Commander Rabe added that from January to May 2026, the narcotic agency recorded 306 arrests involving 272 males and 34 females, while 140 persons underwent counselling and 64 convictions were secured.

Noting that drug seizures during the period included 2,518.16 kilograms of Cannabis sativa, 86.74 grams of methamphetamine, cocaine and tramadol, 44.90 litres of codeine syrup and 171.50 litres of liquid drugs.

According to him, the command has continued to deploy a combination of enforcement and preventive measures through arrests, seizures, prosecutions and public sensitisation campaigns aimed at reducing both the supply and demand for illicit drugs.

The commander further revealed that the agency’s sensitisation programmes reached 60,100 people across Ogun State in 2025 and an additional 53,269 residents between January and May this year.

He explained that part of the Command’s effort to strengthen rehabilitation included the establishment of a 10-bed counselling and rehabilitation centre in Sagamu.

“The facility will provide counselling, detoxification and reintegration support for persons battling substance use disorders. We believe this will bring relief to many families struggling with drug addiction issues in the state,” he said. (Tribune)

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