The National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has destroyed 42 hectares of Cannabis sativa farms in Delta.
The State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr Chidi Obiefule, disclosed this during the “Train-The Trainers Workshop” in Asaba on Thursday.
Obiefule said that the agency seized 46, 634kgs of Cannabis sativa, 2.323kgs of cocaine, 14.4kgs of psychotropic substances and 71.1grammes of heroin between 2014 and 2018.
He said that 142 persons who were also arrested in connection with the offence were facing trial.
The commander also said that the agency discovered and destroyed in Asaba, in March 2016, a clandestine laboratory allegedly being used for the production of substances suspected to be Methamphetamine.
He said that four Mexicans and five Nigerians suspected to be operating the laboratory were standing trial at the Federal High Court.
Obiefule warned the public against allowing unscrupulous elements to build and operate Methamphetamine laboratory around them.
He said that such laboratory could pose grave danger to the inhabitants of the locality where it was operated
He said that the waste products from such laboratory could pollute the source of water supply and the air in such area.
The commander advised the public that it was not safe for them to consume the deadly substance.
He said that they should avoid the area where the illegal activity was ongoing.
Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta in his response said that the state government was ready to assist the NDLEA in tackling the menace.
Okowa was represented by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Mordi Ononye.
He said that the Delta State Drug Control Commission was established with the responsibility of enlightening the public on the harmful effects of drug abuse.
The governor said that the government was planning to set up two rehabilitation centers in Warri and Agbor.
He said that the centres would help rehabilitate victims of drug abuse. (NAN)
