The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Anambra State Command, has stepped up its fight against illegal drugs. They have arrested 559 suspects and secured 128 convictions in the last 11 months.
State Commander, Charles Onubogu, shared this information in Awka on Wednesday. He spoke during a press briefing ahead of the 2026 ‘International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking,’ which happens every year on June 26.
Onubogu reported that the suspects include 475 males and 84 females. They were arrested for various drug-related crimes. The command also seized about 1.8 tonnes of different types of illegal drugs during this time.
He said the arrests show the progress being made in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking and abuse in the state. He stated, “Since I came into the command about 11 months ago, we have made seizures of more than a tonne of different categories of drugs, including cocaine, methamphetamine and cannabis.
“In all, about 1.8 tonnes of illicit substances have been recovered, with a total of 559 suspects arrested and 128 convictions secured within the last 11 months.”
The NDLEA boss also mentioned the rehabilitation of 102 people struggling with substance abuse. This includes 99 males and three females. He noted that many of those being rehabilitated were involved in vocational skills training programs, like soap making and tailoring. This is part of efforts to help them reintegrate into society.
He said the command has also provided counseling and quick intervention services to many other drug users. Onubogu emphasized NDLEA’s commitment to breaking the supply chain of illegal drugs through arrests and prosecutions. He added that they are also focused on reducing demand through public awareness, counseling, and rehabilitation.
He explained that drug users are not treated as criminals. They are seen as people who need help and support. “What we are mainly after are drug dealers. People who use drugs have problems and we need to help them. They are taken through intervention and counselling programmes to guide them on how to stay off drugs.
“This year’s theme for the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is ‘The World Drug Problem: Persistent Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.’ This theme highlights the need for collaboration in the fight against illegal drugs.
“The fight against drug abuse and trafficking can’t be left to the NDLEA alone. All hands must be on deck to battle the scourge. The media, civil society organizations, and the public should use their platforms to spread the message against drug abuse and reduce the problem in society,” he added.
Onubogu also announced plans for a road walk and other awareness activities. These will be part of the events to mark the global anti-drug campaign in the state.
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