The Oyo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested no fewer than 280 individuals over alleged involvement in drug trafficking and abuse between January and August.
The State Commander, Olayinka Joe-Fadile, revealed this on Friday in Ibadan.
Joe-Fadile stated that the arrested suspects comprised 246 males and 34 females, aged between 13 and 50 years, adding that 43 convicts were secured by the command during the period under review.
He said that some of the suspects were found in possession of narcotics, while others were interdicted for dealing in substances like cannabis sativa, tramadol, “skuches”, cocaine, pentazocine injection, and diazepam.
According to him, a total number of 38 cases were charged to court by the command during the period under review and are at different stages of court proceedings.
He revealed that the command recorded a total seizure of 1.2 tonnes of cannabis sativa and other psychotropic substances during this period.
Joe-Fadile said that a suspect who was apprehended by the command and found in possession of human parts by the patrol team had been transferred to the police for proper investigation.
“The command has admitted 19 clients for rehabilitation, four out of which had been rehabilitated and integrated back to the society, while 524 persons were counselled in the last eight months,” he said.
He added that the command had conducted a War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation program in 141 locations, including schools, communities, marketplaces, motor parks, churches, mosques, radio, and TV stations.
The NDLEA boss pledged that the agency would sustain its enlightenment campaigns against the menace of illicit substances with the aim of ridding Oyo State of drug abuse.
He urged residents to remain vigilant, support the agency’s efforts, and work collectively towards achieving a drug-free and safer society.