The Borno state Command of National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA says it has secured approval to destroy over fifteen thousand kilograms of illicit drugs seized in the last three years.
The illicit items comprised of Cannabis, cocaine, heroine, tramadol among others.
State Commandant of the Agency, Mr Joseph Icha made this known when he paid a courtesy visit to the leadership of Nigeria Union of Journalists Borno State Council at the Press Centre in Maiduguri.
He explained that the Command had in 2020 destroyed illicit hard drugs worth 19, 235 kilograms before securing approval for the destruction of the current items.
According to the Commandant, a committee will be set to ensure that the process of destroying the seized drugs is done in a transparent manner.
Mr. Icha noted that the Agency is strengthening the preventive measures at the community level through drug demand reduction.
He added that the visit was part of activities line up to commemorate the 2023 United Nations World Drugs Day with the theme “People First: Stop the Stagma and Discremination, Strengthen prevention” which is being observed every month of June.
“We are at the right place to meet you to to seek the support and synergy from you. So the UN Day of Drugs Abuse is a day we will remind the world that there is actually drug challenges.
Joseph Icha commended the Borno State government for supporting its activities and appreciate the Chairman NDLEA, Brigedeir General Buba Marwa (rtd) for rehabilitation of the Maiduguri office and providing adequate logistics for its operations.
Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ Borno State Council, Comrade Dauda Iliya, thanked the Commandant for the visit and noted that the successes recorded so far is indeed a testimony to his hard work and determination to eradicate the menace of illicit drugs in the state.
“We congratulate You for the feat you have achieved, as well as your effort in ridding the state of illicit drugs, and your efforts in ensuring the reduction of demand and supply of illicit drugs among the teeming youths in the state towards productive citizenry” Comrade Iliya said.
He expressed commitment to amplify the activities of the Command to ensure that the public understands the dangers inherent in drug abuse.
Cov/Dauda
