Owerri, Imo State — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed over 25,807 kilograms of illicit drugs seized from traffickers and criminal networks in Imo State, reaffirming its commitment to combating drug abuse and trafficking across Nigeria.
The public destruction exercise, held in Owerri, involved a total of 25,807.192 kilograms of various narcotic substances and marked a significant milestone in the agency’s ongoing anti-drug operations in the state.
Representing the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), the Director of Operations and General Investigation, Ahmed Ningi, disclosed that the destroyed substances included 24,945.302kg of cannabis sativa, 29.65kg of methamphetamine, 3.169kg of cocaine, 1.378kg of heroin, 827.702kg of psychotropic substances, and 2,319 litres of codeine syrup.
According to Ningi, the public destruction of the seized drugs was aimed at demonstrating transparency and assuring Nigerians that confiscated narcotics do not find their way back into circulation after seizure.
He noted that the exercise reflects NDLEA’s unwavering determination to rid communities of illicit substances and dismantle drug trafficking networks operating within the country.
“The destruction of these drugs sends a clear message to drug traffickers and criminal elements that their activities will not be tolerated. NDLEA remains committed to tracking, arresting, and prosecuting offenders while ensuring that seized drugs are permanently removed from circulation,” he said.
Speaking during the event, the Imo State Commander of NDLEA, Chinonye Nnyigide, stated that the destroyed exhibits were recovered through intelligence-driven operations, raids, and enforcement activities carried out by the agency in collaboration with other security agencies.
Nnyigide commended officers and stakeholders for their support in the fight against drug-related crimes, stressing the need for continued public cooperation in tackling substance abuse and trafficking.
Also speaking, the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Chinyere Ekomaru, who represented Governor Hope Uzodimma, praised the agency’s efforts and reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at protecting residents, especially young people, from the dangers of illicit drug use.
She described drug abuse as a major social challenge that contributes to crime, insecurity, and the destruction of lives, urging citizens to support efforts geared toward creating a drug-free society.
