Oyo NDLEA seized 2,786.9185kg of drugs, made 255 arrests, secured 51 convictions in 2016

THE Oyo State command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has revealed that it seized a total of 2,786.9185 kilogrammes of drugs in 2016 just as it arrested 255 suspects for various drug-related offences in the state, while securing 51 convictions in 2016.

The disclosure was made in a press release issued and signed by the state command’s Public Relations Officer, Mutiat Okuwobi, on behalf of the state commander, Mrs Omolade Faboyede.

According to a release made available to Sunday Tribune, the seized drugs included cocaine, heroin, cannabis, among others.

The command was also able to destroy 68 hectares of land on which Indian hemp was planted, the release stated.

Out of the arrested suspects, the PRO said that 51 suspects who were charged to court had been convicted and were given jail terms ranging from six months to five years.

The anti-drug agency also disclosed that there was reduction in the demand for drug in the state as a result of the activities of the command, adding that the number of arrested suspects also reduced to 51 in 2016 compared with 59 in 2015.

It further remarked that no fewer than 12 people underwent counselling during the year while eight were rehabilitated and were doing well in the society.

“Our campaign against drug abuse and trafficking in the state is yielding positive results. The commander, therefore, urges the public to always report any suspicious movements to enable the agency rid the society of criminal activities.

“With the seizure of all these drugs, we hope that it will help in the reduction of substance abuse in the society, as we also promise to do more in this new year,” the statement read further.