The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has reported the arrest of 417 suspects and the securing of 54 convictions throughout 2023 in Oyo State.
The NDLEA Commander in the state, Olayinka Joe-Fadile, shared these details in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria in Ibadan on Tuesday.
The suspects, comprising 340 males and 77 females, were apprehended for their involvement in various drug-related activities, dealing with substances such as Cannabis sativa, Tramadol, Diazepam, Colorado, and other psychotropic substances during the year.
Joe-Fadile highlighted that the NDLEA’s vigilance led to the seizure of eight tonnes of different narcotic and psychotropic substances, valued at N135.6 million.
“Between January and December 2023, 54 out of the 91 suspects charged in court by the command were convicted for various drug-related offences, receiving jail terms ranging from six months to 10 years,” Joe-Fadile stated.
The NDLEA’s commitment to addressing the societal impact of drug use was evident in their provision of brief intervention through counseling to 246 individuals, comprising 205 males and 41 females.
“In the period under review, thirteen people were successfully rehabilitated and integrated back into society,” Joe-Fadile added.
He also shared ongoing initiatives, stating, “Efforts are underway to equip and repurpose the acquired facility in Iseyin as a standard rehabilitation centre for counseling and rehabilitation.”
