The Osun State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced that it achieved 58 convictions in its efforts to combat drug abuse.
Nnadi Chidi, the NDLEA Commander in Osun, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, marking the United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.
The theme for the year 2024; “The Evidence Is Clear. Invest In Prevention.”
Nnadi revealed that the convictions were secured at the Federal High Court, Osogbo while other cases were ongoing.
In his words, “A total of 299 persons were arrested in the State for various drug offences, comprising 248 males and 51 females.
“Seizures of 1,600.949kgs of various drugs were recorded. The dominant is cannabis sativa with 1,536kg, cocaine 0.013gms, other psychotropic substances 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 Osun NDLEA boss who added that the agency has been able to in the past one year wage a relentless war against drug abuse urged all hands to be on deck to check the negative impact of drug abuse in our society to curtail the drug problem to guarantee peace, security and development in the state.
He warned drug dealers and cultivators in Osun State to desist from the nefarious trade or face the consequences of arrest and prosecution.
“Aside from conviction, proceeds and assets of the convicts used as instrumentalities of crime would be forfeited to the Federal Government.”
Nnadi also appealed to the state governor, Ademola Adeleke to provide a standard rehabilitation centre to cater for drug-dependent persons presently referred to get help in neighbouring states.
