The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has publicly destroyed more than 25,800 kilograms of confiscated illicit substances in Imo State as part of efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse.
The destruction exercise, held in Owerri on Saturday, marked the first time such an operation was conducted in the state capital.
Addressing stakeholders during the event, NDLEA Chairman, Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Buba-Marwa, represented by the agency’s Director of Operations and General Investigation, Ahmed Ningi, disclosed that the destroyed exhibits included 2,319 litres of codeine syrup and 24,945.302 kilograms of cannabis.
Other substances disposed of were 29.65 kilograms of methamphetamine, 3.169 kilograms of cocaine, 1.378 kilograms of heroin and 827.702 kilograms of various psychotropic drugs.
According to him, the public destruction exercise demonstrates the agency’s commitment to transparency and reassures Nigerians that confiscated drugs are permanently removed from circulation.
He stressed that seized narcotics are neither recycled nor diverted back into society, noting that their destruction is carried out openly and in accordance with due process.
Buba-Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s determination to intensify the fight against illicit drug trafficking by targeting criminal networks involved in the trade.
He warned drug traffickers and dealers to abandon the illegal business, stressing that the agency would continue to track, arrest and prosecute offenders while ensuring that recovered substances are destroyed publicly.
The NDLEA Commander in Imo, Mr. Chinonye Nnyigide, attributed the successful seizures to intelligence-led operations, coordinated raids and sustained enforcement activities carried out by officers of the command in collaboration with other security agencies.
He explained that all the exhibits destroyed had undergone the necessary legal and administrative procedures required under existing laws before their disposal.
Representing the state government, Deputy Governor Mrs. Chinyere Ekomaru said the exercise reflected the administration’s commitment to safeguarding residents from the dangers associated with drug abuse and trafficking.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring, Chief Ezechukwu Obonna, praised NDLEA personnel for their dedication in confronting the growing challenge of substance abuse.
He described the destruction exercise as evidence of the state’s firm stance against illegal drug activities and reiterated the government’s resolve to support initiatives aimed at creating a drug-free society.