Kano: NDLEA Records 22 Convictions In One Month

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s  fight against drug trafficking and consumption in Kano gained an unprecedented impetus in October. In the month alone,  the agency secured over 22 convictions .

This is even as it intercepted hard substances worth over, 709 .979 kg ,including 309 .991 kg of cannabis sativa .

A statement on Wednesday November 13, 2024, from the Command’s spokesperson, Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari, said the NDLEA within the same period, arrested a total of 129 suspects in connection with drug related activities.

The Kano Sector Commander, Abubakar Idris Ahmad, informed that all the 22 convictions were secured at a Federal High Court Kano

According to him, the convictions, as well as the seizures and arrest, are clear messages to drug dealers in the commercial hub of the Northern region of Nigeria that it is not business as usual.

The seizures and arrests, he further noted, were all made across the 44 Local Councils of the State ,noting that the operations are a testament to the Command’s determination to rid the State of the dangerous activities of hard drug traffickers.

“All 129 suspects are male, and the total illicit substances recovered during this period amount to 709,979 Kg including,309,991 kg of cannabis sativa .

“The other substances seized consist of 741,600 tablets of Tramadol ,2,789 kg of pregabalin ,and 0.027 kg of methamphetamine among others ” the commander stated .

Among the convicts who received an average of between seven and nine years jail terms is a dismissed police inspector, Salisu Mohammed, who had been previously jailed for five years for cocaine trafficking.

“These convictions serve as a strong deterrent to those involved in drug related activities and underscore  the agency’s commitment to enforcing the law

“The suspects arrested have been profiled, and those warranting prosecution have been charged, while others have been referred to the Counseling Unit for support and rehabilitation.

“The Command will continue to work tireless in collaboration with all stakeholders to combat drug trafficking and raise awareness on the dangers associated with drug abuse”, the statement noted.