“NDLEA Adamawa Seizes 4,880kg of Illicit Drugs, Arrests 536 Suspects in 2024”

The Adamawa State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant strides in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking, seizing a total of 4,880 kilograms of illicit drugs and arresting 536 suspected drug offenders throughout the year 2024.

At a press conference in Yola on Monday, NDLEA State Commander Agboalu Samson revealed that the majority of the suspects—518 individuals—were males, while 18 were females. He detailed the confiscated substances, including a significant quantity of Cannabis Sativa weighing 3,180.36422 kilograms, and various psychotropic substances totaling 1,700.29013 kilograms.

Among the seized items were 1,090.63296 kilograms of Tramadol, which translates to 1,758,868 capsules, tablets, and milliliters; 6.8665 kilograms of Diazepam, totaling 33,259 tablets; and 577.60667 kilograms of Exol-5, which amounts to 1,636,989 tablets. Additionally, 19.932 kilograms of codeine-laced cough syrups, equivalent to 44,592 milliliters, were also confiscated.

The haul also included 0.0381 kilograms of Methamphetamine, 0.015 kilograms of Cocaine, 5 kilograms (22 bottles) of formalin—commonly known as “Suck and Die”—and 1.4 kilograms (15 bottles) of Akuskura herbal mixture. Samson expressed concern that the variety of seized drugs illustrates the evolving nature of drug abuse and trafficking in Adamawa State.

Despite these challenges, the NDLEA achieved notable successes in the legal arena, securing 148 convictions in 2024. Sentences for the convicted offenders ranged from three months to 25 years. Of those convicted, 143 were males and five were females, with ages ranging from 18 to 65 years. Currently, 59 cases remain pending at the Federal High Court in Yola.

Additionally, the Command’s Drug Demand Reduction Unit played a vital role, admitting 52 clients for counseling and rehabilitation during the year. Of those, 40 successfully completed the rehabilitation program.

Commander Samson concluded by reaffirming the commitment of the NDLEA to continuing its efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking in the state, while also addressing the rising demand for rehabilitation and support services.