By Uzair Adam
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, says it has arrested 49 suspects for various drug-related offences involving different quantities of illicit substances in the state.
Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Kano.
He said the suspects were apprehended during coordinated raids on August 7 and August 8, as part of intensified efforts to curb drug crimes.
“On August 7 and 8, the agency dislodged several key locations known for drug-related activities, arresting 34 suspects at Massallacin Idi, Fagge Plaza, Kofar Mata, Kofar Wambai, Kofar Dan’agundi, Makabartar Dan’agundi, Ladanai, Zage, and Tashar Rimi at Rimi Market,” he said.
He added that NDLEA operatives also raided Kano Line Motor Park and Tashar Rami Motor Park in Na’ibawa, where 15 additional suspects were arrested.Items recovered from the suspects included cannabis sativa, Pregabalin, diazepam, codeine syrup, Rohypnol, “suck and die,” rubber solution, and locally made weapons.
The NDLEA State Commander, Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, said the operation was part of ongoing measures to dismantle drug joints and disrupt dealers’ networks in the state.
“Since the elevation of the NDLEA’s operations to a strategic command level, there has been a notable increase in the effectiveness and scope of our work,” Idris-Ahmad stated.
He commended the agency’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba-Marwa, for his unwavering support and leadership, noting that his commitment to a drug-free society had strengthened the resolve of the Kano Command.
Idris-Ahmad urged those involved in drug trafficking to desist, warning that the NDLEA would not relent in its mission to protect the public from the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.
He said investigations were ongoing, and the suspects would be charged in court upon completion.