NDLEA arrested 18,940 persons for drug-related offences in 2 years — Marwa

The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)says it has arrested no fewer than 18,940 people for different drug-related offences in the last two years.

Brig-Gen,  Mohammed Buba -Marwa, the Chairman and chief executive of the agency, made this known in Yola on Tuesday while receiving an award of excellence in recognition of his outstanding service to the nation.

The award was given to him by the Adamawa Honours Society (AHS).

He said within the period under review the agency had secured 3,324 convictions, seized 5.4 kg of different control drugs, and narcotic substances and rehabilitated 3,326 drug abusers.

Marwa called on parents, community and religious leaders to intensify efforts in helping the agency to tame the tide of the menace, saying “drugs do not discriminate against tribe, religion or region”.

He said the agency had recently acquired drug and lie testing kits, adding that intending couples should be tested for drug use before they get married.

“Drug tests would determine the innocence or otherwise of couples and it will save marital relationships from collapse due to abuse of drugs,” he said.

According to him, the agency is working assiduously to achieve a reduction in supply and demand for drugs, stressing that this would greatly add value to the fight against the trend.

Marwa, commended President Muhammadu Buhari, for supporting the agency in the fight against illicit drugs, adding, “I also commend the Adamawa House of Assembly for enacting laws against drug-related offences”.