By Ehigimetor Igbaugba
The Cross River Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says it arrested no fewer than 100 suspects across the state between January and June over alleged illicit drug offences.
The State NDLEA Commander, Rachael Umebuali, said at a press briefing in Calabar on Tuesday that the command also seized 290kg of illicit drugs within the period under review.
Umebuali said that the briefing was part of activities to commemorate the 2024 United Nations Day against Drug Abuse and Trafficking.
She listed the seized illicit drugs to include, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, diazepam, tramadol, and cannabis sativa.
The commander expressed displeasure at the escalating level of drug consumption and trafficking in the state, and the country at large.
She identified Ikom, Abi, Biase and Calabar South as the local government areas with high drug abuse prevalence rates.
Umebuali said that the challenge of drug abuse had evolved into a significant social issue with consequences on security, economy and the overall welfare of the population.
“This has undeniable connections to the rise in insecurity, which is having negative impacts on peace and the economy nationwide.
“Armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, rape, and other violent crimes are attributable to the consumption of illegal drugs,” she said.
The commandant urged the government, corporate bodies and people with a desire for change to join forces with the agency to eliminate illicit drugs in the society.
He said that the command also used the week to visit places of worship to carry out anti-drug sensitisation campaigns.
“Our intention is that they will in turn sensitise their children and wards on the fight against illicit drugs.
“Drug abuse in the state is so high that we need to do a lot. We cannot do this alone without the collaboration of other agencies and the media,” she said.
Umebuali commended the state government for its support to the agency in the discharge its duties in the state.(NAN)
