The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Katsina Command has intercepted 2.5 tones of various illicit drugs in the state, from January to June this year.
The State Commander of the agency, Mr Sama’ila Danmalam, made this known at a news conference on Thursday in Katsina.
The briefing was part of activities to commemorate the United Nations International Day against drugs abuse and illicit trafficking.
According to Danmalam, within the period under review, the command was able to intercept more than 1,322 kgs of cannabis, 2,469kgs of codeine and more than 1,120.1156kgs of other psychotropics.
“About 424 suspected drug dealers were arrested, 44 arraigned before the Federal High Court in the state, out of which 32 were prosecuted.
“Those prosecuted are presently serving different jail terms across correctional centres in the state,” he said.
The Commander further stated that 21,565 persons were sensitised on the dangers of drug abuse, adding that the exercise had changed their way of life.
According to him, this year’s theme, ‘The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention’, is a clear call to raising awareness on the need for effective prevention strategies against drug abuse among other strategies.
Danmalam reiterated that the NDLEA had also marked the United Nations International Day with Juma’at prayer sermon and Sunday service, with focus on the dangers of drug abuse from religious perspective.
