By Abdallah el-Kurebe
Sokoto State Command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized 1.333.364 kilogrammes of illegal drugs during the course of its operations over the past six months.
Commander of the Agency, Alhaji Misbahu Idris disclosed this in Sokoto on Thursday during the celebration of the 2014 International Day Against Drugs Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking, with a theme: “A Message of Hope: Drug Abuse Disorders are Preventable and Treatable.”
Substances seized included 780.566 kgs of Cannabis Sativa; 43.729kgs of psychotropic substances and 514.075 kgs of Cough syrup with Codeine.
In the same vein, the Command, during the period under review, remanded 36 suspects in prison custody while six dealers were convicted.
“We equally counseled and rehabilitated 36 drug addicts,” Idris said.
He commended Sokoto state government for constructing a modern rehabilitation centre.
“The centre will accommodate over 100 clients and it will be provided with skill acquisition equipment.
“This is to allow them to learn some crafts and skills, which will assist them when they are discharged.
Governor Aliyu Wamakko, represented by Permanent Secretary (Political), Alhaji Malami Ladan, promised to continue to partner the Agency and other stakeholders to meet up with the challenges of the fight against illicit drugs.
“Sokoto state is aware of the challenges posed by the menace and the ongoing efforts by the Agency to stem the tide of drugs abuse and illicit trafficking,” Wamakko said.
The State Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu threatened: “We will confiscate the license of any pharmacy or patent medicine store that is found wanting and seal the shops, then prosecute him or her.”
