By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency (SASA) over the weekend destroyed hard drugs worth over N50 million in Awka, Anambra State.

The exercise came on the heels of a major enforcement operation in Awka and its surrounding communities as well as the agency’s intensified crackdown on drug trafficking, touting, and other criminal activities across the state.

According to the agency, the raid targeted several locations allegedly being used as distribution points for illicit drugs.

The operation, described by SASA as one of its most significant anti-drug raids in recent times, led to the arrest of several suspected notorious drug dealers and buyers.

The suspects, along with the recovered exhibits, were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

In the course of the operation, a large quantity of dangerous substances were recovered from the suspects’ hideouts, including the locally known “Mmiri ogwu” (popularly called “Mkpurummiri”), cocaine, cannabis (commonly known as weed), Loud, and other prohibited narcotic substances.

The seized drugs, with an estimated street value of over ?50 million, were confiscated during the operation.

SASA stated that the suspects were apprehended while allegedly engaging in the sale and purchase of the illicit substances

The agency further disclosed that, after preliminary investigations, the suspects were arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction and remanded in a correctional facility pending the continuation of legal proceedings.

Speaking during the destruction of the seized drugs, the Managing Director of SASA, Hon. Monday Nwokoye, reaffirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment to eliminating drug abuse, touting, and other criminal activities across Anambra State.

He appealed to residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would assist in the fight against crime.

“When you see something, say something,” he added.

Nwokoye also expressed appreciation to the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for his continued support in strengthening security across the state.

He described the Governor’s vision of eradicating touting, combating criminality, and restoring public order as a transformational agenda that is already yielding positive results.

The SASA Managing Director assured residents that the agency would not relent in its efforts until criminal activities associated with drug abuse, drug trafficking, and touting are drastically reduced across the state.

While issuing a strong warning to individuals involved in the production, distribution, sale, or consumption of hard drugs in the state, Nwokoye assured that SASA would continue to track down offenders wherever they operate.

He added: "Abuse and trafficking of hard drugs remain major drivers of touting, theft, violent crimes, cult-related activities, and other forms of social disorder.

“The destruction of the seized narcotics was a deliberate measure aimed at protecting society by ensuring that the illegal substances do not re-enter the market.

“SASA is committed to working closely with the Anambra State Government, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and other security agencies to build a safer, healthier, and crime-free society for all residents of the state.”

He reiterated that the agency remains resolute in its mandate to rid Anambra State of criminal elements and called on members of the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement authorities by reporting suspicious activities within their communities.

The recovered narcotics were publicly destroyed by fire to prevent them from finding their way back into circulation after the completion of necessary legal procedures and documentation.