The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Enugu has seized 929.463 kilograms of illicit drugs, secured 53 convictions and intensified rehabilitation efforts as part of its campaign against drug abuse and trafficking in the state.
ENUGU – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Enugu State Command, has seized 929.463 kilograms of illicit drugs and secured the conviction of 53 drug offenders between November 2025 and June 2026, as it intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse in the state.
The seizures, which include Cannabis Sativa and methamphetamine, popularly known as Crystal Meth or Mkpuru Mmiri, were disclosed on Friday by the Commander of the NDLEA in Enugu State, Mr. Owoputi Adekunle, during the commemoration of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The event, organised in collaboration with the Enugu State Government, was themed: “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges and Innovative Response.”
Participants at the event included students, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, government officials and other stakeholders involved in the campaign against drug abuse.
Adekunle said the command also provided counselling services to 157 clients, while 23 individuals are currently undergoing rehabilitation for substance use disorders.
According to him, the command’s prosecution unit also recorded significant successes during the review period.
“Our prosecution unit is not left out. A total of 53 suspects have been convicted, while 111 cases are currently pending before the Federal High Court.
“Apart from the convictions, assets acquired as proceeds of crime were forfeited to the Federal Government,” he said.
The NDLEA commander described drug abuse and illicit trafficking as serious threats to public health, security and national development, urging stronger collaboration among stakeholders to promote prevention, public awareness and rehabilitation.
“Drug abuse destroys lives, families and communities. It particularly affects our youth, who are the future of our nation.
“As law enforcement officers, we remain committed to reducing the supply of illicit drugs while working with communities, schools, religious organisations, traditional rulers and other security agencies to promote a drug-free society,” Adekunle stated.
He called on members of the public to support anti-drug campaigns by reporting drug-related activities, educating others about the dangers of substance abuse and encouraging rehabilitation for affected persons.
Speaking at the event, Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Professor George Ugwu, urged young people to reject drug abuse and embrace opportunities created by the state government in agriculture, digital technology and mechanised farming.
According to the governor, the state’s youth empowerment programmes are designed to discourage involvement in drug abuse while promoting economic productivity.
“We cannot build the economy with youths who are not hardworking. It is with your brains and physical strength that our economy can grow.
“The consequences of drug abuse are enormous and we must ensure our youths remain productive and contribute meaningfully to economic development,” he said.
Mbah also disclosed that the state government is establishing special adolescent health units to strengthen interventions aimed at addressing drug abuse among young people.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Senior Registrar at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, Dr. Roland Okereke, described substance abuse as a chronic illness that destroys lives and limits future opportunities.
He stressed that prevention remains the most effective response, noting that stigma and poor access to specialised treatment continue to prevent many people from seeking medical care.
Okereke observed that the South-East currently has only one Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital providing specialised treatment for substance use disorders, creating a significant treatment gap in the region.
He identified alcohol, cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine, hallucinogens and emerging synthetic psychoactive substances as some of the most commonly abused drugs, warning that substance abuse contributes to crime, violence, terrorism and increased mortality.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and Chairman of the Ezeagu Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Emmanuel Anichebe, urged parents to strengthen communication with their children to protect them from negative peer influence and drug abuse.
A major highlight of the event was the conferment of the title of Drug Abuse Ambassador on Governor Peter Mbah in recognition of his administration’s efforts to combat substance abuse. The programme also featured drama presentations, debates and interactive awareness sessions on the dangers of drug abuse.
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