We’ve intercepted illicit drugs worth N32bn in two years — KAROTA

The Kano Road and Traffic Agency (KAROTA) has disclosed that it intercepted illicit drugs and alcoholic substances valued at over ₦32 billion being smuggled into Kano State within the past two years.

The agency’s Managing Director, Engr. Faisal Mahmud Kabir, made this known when he received the new Area Commander of Police, ACP Ibrahim Abubakar Jauro, during a familiarization visit to the KAROTA headquarters in Kano.

Kabir explained that the seizures were made possible through the cooperation and support of the Kano State Police Command.

This was contained in a statement issued by the agency’s spokesperson, Abubakar Imam Sharada, and made available to journalists in Kano.

According to Kabir, KAROTA has been instrumental in intelligence gathering and information sharing with sister security agencies to curb threats within the state.

“We are contributing a lot to the security of Kano. Our personnel have intercepted vehicles transporting illicit drugs, fake drugs, and alcoholic drinks worth more than ₦32 billion into the state since we assumed office,” he said.

He added that the agency’s success would not have been possible without the cooperation of the Police and other security agencies.

“We also work in tandem with sister agencies on information sharing. Our personnel are always on the road, and we receive reports of suspicious persons or movements from them at our headquarters,” he stated.

Kabir recounted an incident last year when KAROTA personnel on night duty reported the movement of people, including women and children, entering Kano from the Borno axis around 2 a.m. in several buses. Another report involved an influx of people on motorcycles from Katsina around 1 a.m.

“After gathering the information, we informed the governor, who took immediate action. Investigations later revealed that they were linked to criminal groups, and decisive measures were taken. This underscores the importance of intelligence sharing,” he said.

The KAROTA boss, however, lamented the incessant attacks on the agency’s personnel, disclosing that officers are killed almost every two months, either through hit-and-run incidents or targeted assaults.

“We are at risk. Our personnel are killed in almost every two months. They are either strangled or knocked down by reckless drivers. We also face serious disobedience to traffic laws by tipper and tanker drivers,” he lamented.

Kabir commended the police for their continuous collaboration and emphasized the need for sustained inter-agency synergy to promote peace, security, and order in Kano State.

He also credited KAROTA’s achievements to the unwavering support of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, whose administration, he said, has continued to empower the agency to effectively deliver on its mandate.

Earlier, ACP Ibrahim Abubakar Jauro praised KAROTA for its discipline and professionalism, noting that the agency’s work complements the efforts of the police in maintaining law and order.

As part of the visit, KAROTA presented an Award of Recognition to ACP Jauro in appreciation of his leadership and commitment to inter-agency cooperation.

Both agencies also signed an agreement to strengthen operational collaboration aimed at enhancing security and traffic management across the state.