By Isioma Nwabasha
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Delta Command, says it has destroyed 36.2 hectares of suspected cannabis plantation, and seized N450 million worth of illicit drugs in the last one year
The command’s Public Relations Officer, John-Kennedy Edoziem, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Asaba on Wednesday.
Edoziem explained that the command seized substantial quantities of substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, Tramadol, Exol-5, Diazepam/Bromazepam, Laughing Gas, Swinol/Rohypnol, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, and Heroin among others from various parts of the state.
He said that the total volume of solid drug exhibits seized between June 2025 and June 2026 stood at 1,759.9kg, while liquid exhibits stood at 10,596.6 litres.
According to him, the command destroyed 10.2 hectares of suspected cannabis plantation in Emu-Obiogo community, Ndokwa West Local Government, 11 hectares in Obiaruku, Ukwani LGA and 15 hectares in Orogun, Ughelli North LGA.
”This brings the total suspected cannabis plantations destroyed within the period under review to 36.2 hectares.”
Edoziem also said that the operatives raided a warehouse at Oko Market, Asaba, where a substantial quantity of illicit substances was stored for distribution.
“Recovered exhibits include Tramadol, Rohypnol, Hypnox, Diazepam, Exol-5, Codeine, and other controlled substances with an estimated street value exceeding ₦150,000,000.
“The command also intercepted two commercial buses carrying illicit drugs worth over ₦300,000,000 along the Onitsha-Asaba Expressway,” he said.
He added that within the period under review, the command secured 235 convictions, with 204 cases still pending before the Federal High Courts in Asaba and Warri.
He also said that the command counseled 623 drug users, and rehabilitated 14 persons.
The spokesperson further said that the NDLEA state Commander, Halilu Hamidu, remained resolute in his commitment to reducing both the demand for illicit drugs and the supply networks that sustain their distribution.
“We shall continue to work closely with all stakeholders to build communities where drugs are more difficult to access, distribute, and less attractive to potential users,” Edoziem said.
He said the agency had strengthened preventive drug education through the establishment of War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) Clubs in secondary schools across the state.
He also said that the command was in partnership with the State Drug Control Committee (SDCC) to stamp out drug abuse among students across the state.
“These clubs provide safe platforms where students are equipped with the knowledge, values, and life skills needed to resist drug use and make informed decisions about their future.
“In a united campaign against drug abuse, the command, in partnership with the MTN Foundation, carried out a sensitisation walk which served as a reminder that the fight against drug abuse requires the active participation of every member of the society.
“These efforts are gradually building stronger awareness, promoting shared responsibility, and fostering a more resilient society that is better equipped to confront the challenges of substance abuse,” he said.
Edoziem further said that the agency extended the fight against drug abuse beyond secondary schools to tertiary institutions within the state.
“The advocacy programme has been extended to tertiary institutions, religious organisations, workplaces, and community gatherings to warn against the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of prevention and early intervention,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the state government, security agencies and other stakeholders for their support and unwavering commitment to drug control efforts.
He noted that the successes recorded during the last one year would not have been possible without their cooperation.
“Particularly noteworthy is the cooperation enjoyed through Operation Delta Sweep.
“This has enhanced intelligence sharing, coordinated operations, and improved security outcomes in our collective efforts to combat drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
“We equally appreciate our sister law enforcement agencies, traditional institutions, religious organisations, educational institutions, media partners and youth groups.
“We also appreciate the support from non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, and all community stakeholders whose contributions continue to advance the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking across the state,” he added.
He reiterated the NDLEA’s commitment to deploying every lawful means to protect citizens from the devastating effects of illicit drugs.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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