War on drugs: NDLEA discovers 9.5 hectares of cannabis farms, destroys 23.75 tons in Osun
By Adeyanju Esther and Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
The Osun State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Adetunji Adeyemi, has announced that the agency has made significant progress in its war on drugs in the state.
According to Commander Adeyemi, the NDLEA arrested 299 suspects and secured 58 convictions in the past year.
A statement issued on Wednesday in commemoration of 2024 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drugs Trafficking said the theme for 2024 was; “The Evidence Is Clear. Invest In Prevention.”
Enumerating some of the achievements of the command within the period under review, Osun NDLEA Commander said: “A total of 299 persons were arrested in the State for various drug offences, comprising 248 males and 51 females.
“Seizure of 1,600.949kgs of various drug were recorded. The dominant being cannabis sativa with 1,536kg, cocaine 0.013gms, other psychotropic substance 64.936kg and 16.5litres of skushes.
“Within the period under review, 9.5 hectares of cannabis farms were discovered and 23.75 tons of cannabis sativa destroyed.
“In the area of prosecution, 58 convictions were secured at the Federal High Court Osogbo while other cases are ongoing.
“The Agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative was aggressively implemented through sustained and consistent sensitization and enlightenment programs in primary/secondary schools, tertiary institutions, work places, markets places, motor parks, churches, mosques
“In the area of counselling of people who use drugs; 105 persons, comprising 96 males and 9 females were counselled on the dangers and consequences of drug/substance abuse.”
He, however, appealed to the people of the state to join hands with the agency in its efforts to curtail the drug problem so as to guarantee peace, security and development in the State.
Appreciating Governor Ademola Adeleke for his support, Osun NDLEA Commander charged the Governor on the need to cater for drug dependent persons presently referred to get help in neighbouring states, saying, “The need for the Government’s intervention to facilitate access to treatment for victims who are under the yoke of drug dependence cannot be over stressed.”
He, however, called on drug dealers and cultivators in the state to desist from the nefarious trade or face the consequences of arrest and prosecution.
“Aside conviction, proceeds and assets of the convicts used as instrumentalities of crime would be forfeited to the Federal Government.”
