262 drug suspects arrested in Cross River – NDLEA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Cross River State Command, has confirmed the arrest of at least 262 assorted drug suspects in Cross River State.

In an interview, the state commander, John Anteyi, explained that they were arrested between January and June, adding that this figure comprised 207 males and 55 females.

He disclosed that out of this figure, 28 drug-related convictions have been secured and 61 cases filed in court.

He added that 132 cases were currently pending at various stages before the state high court.

Anteyi noted that the arrests were linked to the seizure of 6,575 drug consignments in the same period.

These seizures, he broke down, included 6.398 kg of cannabis sativa, 1.47 kg of cannabis sativa seeds, 60.4 g of cocaine, 20.2 g of heroin, 778.6 g of methamphetamine, and 166.4 kg of psychotropic substances.

He added that the command also destroyed 14 hectares of cannabis farms in the Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.

The commander expressed concern over the prevalence of drug abuse among youths and its impact on public safety and national development.

He said drug abuse had become a growing concern across educational institutions, urban centres, rural communities and among vulnerable groups.

Mr Anteyi said the command remained committed to combating drug abuse in the state.