Umar Akilu Majeri
The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Jigawa State Command arrested 363 suspects between July 2020 and June 2021 in Jigawa state.
This was disclosed by the state’s commandant, Mrs. Maryam Gambo Sani, during a press briefing as part of this year’s (2021) World Drugs Day celebration.
The commandant, who lamented the increase of drug abuse among the younger generation in the state, said the number of arrests and seizures of illicit substances rose compared with the previous years ago she then called on parents and guardians to take proactive actions to stem the tide without delay.
Mrs. Maryam attributed the increase in drugs abuses to the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown, which exposed millions of people to poverty.
She said every June 26 has been set aside by the United Nations as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Gambo explained that of the 363 suspects, 347 were male, while 20 were female. among the arrested people
He said those arrested were arrested with 344.99kgs of Cannabis sativa and other psychotropic substances.
The commandant said 108 cases were filed at the Federal High Court Dutse in the period under review.
“Due to the absence of the Federal High Court Judge and the recent judiciary workers strike action, the command was only able to secure 30 convictions from the 15th of June, 2021
“Also 155 persons were counseled by the Drug Demand Reduction Unit of the Command while 14 clients/persons were treated, rehabilitated and reintegrated back to the society,” Gambo stated.
