The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has destroyed a total of 25,807.192kg of seized illicit drugs in Imo State.
The exercise, which was conducted for the first time in Owerri on Saturday, was monitored by stakeholders and security officials, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
Chairman of the NDLEA, Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Buba-Marwa, said the destroyed substances included 2,319 litres of codeine-based cough syrup, 24,945.302kg of cannabis sativa, 29.65kg of methamphetamine, 3.169kg of cocaine, 1.378kg of heroin, and 827.702kg of other psychotropic substances.
He explained that the public destruction was meant to demonstrate transparency and accountability in the agency’s operations.
“ They are not recycled, not resold, not lost in transit, they are destroyed openly, irreversibly and in full view of the public we serve,” he said.
Marwa, who was represented by the NDLEA Director of Operations and General Investigation, Ahmed Ningi, reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to track down drug traffickers and dismantle their networks across the country.
“ We specifically warn those who profit from the misery of others through illicit drug trafficking to desist forthwith.
“ We will find you, arrest you, prosecute you and destroy your ill-gotten exhibits in the full glare of the public just as we are doing here today,” he said.
In his remarks, the Imo State NDLEA Commander, Mr Chinonye Nnyigide, said the destroyed exhibits were recovered through coordinated intelligence-led operations, raids, arrests, and sustained enforcement efforts carried out with support from sister security agencies.
“These substances have passed through the necessary legal and administrative processes in accordance with established procedures and applicable laws,” he said.
Representing Governor Hope Uzodinma, Deputy Governor Mrs Chinyere Ekomaru said the public destruction of illicit drugs underscored the state government’s commitment to safeguarding public health and safety.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring, Chief Ezechukwu Obonna, praised NDLEA personnel for their sustained fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
Obonna said that the initiative reflected the state’s firm stance against drug-related crimes.
“ We should all rise to fight this problem, and my office remains committed to a drug-free society”, he said.
