In a concerted effort to combat drug abuse in Bayelsa State, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has taken significant actions. Between September and early October 2023, the Bayelsa State Command of the NDLEA made considerable strides in its campaign against illicit drugs. In a press briefing held at the command headquarters in Yenagoa, the state capital, Matthew Ewah, the State Commander of NDLEA, provided details of these operations.
During this period, the NDLEA successfully apprehended 27 individuals suspected of involvement in the illicit drug trade. This group of suspects consisted of 25 males and two females, signifying the diverse nature of those engaged in illegal drug activities. The operations conducted by the NDLEA also resulted in the confiscation of a substantial quantity of illegal substances, totaling 491.032 kilograms. These substances included cannabis sativa (1.048 kg), methamphetamine (0.01 kg), cocaine (0.006 kg), tramadol (1,054 tablets, 0.03 kg), Swinol (109 tablets, 0.015 kg), Diazepam injection (four ampoules), Diazepam (636 tablets, 0.551 kg), and Codeine (4 1/2 bottles, 0.7 kg).
In addition to the arrests and seizures, the NDLEA Bayelsa Command revealed the recovery of abandoned illegal drugs, which further underscores the extent of the problem in the state. These abandoned seizures included cannabis sativa (448.616 kg), tramadol (0.029 kg), Swinol (0.02 kg), and methamphetamine (0.007 kg).
Furthermore, beyond drug-related matters, the NDLEA’s operations also led to the discovery and recovery of ammunition. Specifically, 19 rounds of live ammunition of 9mm caliber and 125 rounds of live ammunition cartridges were confiscated. Additionally, suspects involved in other criminal activities such as robbery and rape were apprehended during these operations and subsequently handed over to the police for further investigation.
The NDLEA’s proactive actions reflect the commitment to combatting drug abuse and related criminal activities in Bayelsa State. The agency continues to work diligently to maintain the safety and well-being of the residents while striving to create a drug-free environment.
He said, “Top on the list is the seizure on the 27th September, 2023 of 432 kgs of cannabis sativa abandoned in a white Mercedes Benz J5 bus along SAIPEM Road Opolo, Yenagoa. The vehicle was also recovered from the scene for further investigation.
“It is important to note that the interception of 432 kgs of cannabis sativa is the single largest seizure in the history of Bayelsa State Command of the NDLEA. This seizure was made possible by credible intelligence and practiced profiling.
“Earlier today (Tuesday), our motorized patrol team seized and recovered 48kgs of cannabis sativa along the East-West Road.
“Also of note is the seizure of 19 RLA (rounds of live ammunition) 9mm caliber at Akenfa, Yenagoa, and another 125 rounds of live AAA cartridges at the SWALI Market Jetty on the 14th and 23rd of September, 2023 respectively. The Command also arrested armed robbery and rape suspects here in Okaka Estate on the 9th of September, 2023. The suspects and the ammunition have been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation.”
The NDLEA boss solicited the understanding and cooperation of the motoring public and commuters as the men of the command patrolled the roads.
He said the command was committed to the task of making Bayelsa unsafe for merchants of the illicit drug trade and called for support from well-meaning residents.
