The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Oyo State has arrested no fewer than 470 suspects for various drug-related offences between January and December 2025.
The state NDLEA Commander, Adetula Lawal, disclosed this on Thursday in Ibadan while reviewing the command’s activities for the year.
According to Lawal, the suspects consist of 406 males and 64 females, aged between 13 and 70 years. They were arrested for alleged possession and trafficking of substances including cannabis sativa, tramadol, skoochies, diazepam, colorado, rohypnol, methamphetamine, pentazocine, bromazepam, cocaine, as well as beverages mixed with cocaine and cannabis.
He stated that the command recorded the seizure of more than three tons of cannabis sativa and other narcotic and psychotropic substances during the period under review.
Lawal added that 70 suspects were charged to court, out of which 53 were convicted and sentenced to prison terms ranging from six months to 54 years.
He further revealed that 25 drug-dependent individuals were admitted into the NDLEA rehabilitation centre in the state, with 22 successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated into society.
The commander also disclosed that operatives recovered a locally made pistol with a live cartridge from one suspect, while another suspect was arrested in possession of human parts. Both suspects, he said, were handed over to the police for further investigation.
Lawal noted that the command provided brief counselling to 768 individuals, comprising 673 males and 95 females, and carried out extensive sensitisation campaigns against drug abuse.
He explained that the awareness programmes reached 216 schools, 146 communities, and several private organisations, in addition to regular participation in radio and television programmes.
The NDLEA boss commended residents of Oyo State for their continued support and cooperation in the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.