The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raised alarms over the escalating consumption of cannabis, commonly known as "loud," in Oyo State. During a recent event titled "Public Destruction of Drug Exhibits" in Ipara town along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Mr. Olayinka Joe-Fadile, the NDLEA Commander for Oyo State, highlighted the severity of the situation.
In the past year, the Oyo State Command apprehended 546 individuals—comprising 449 males and 97 females, aged between 12 and 80 years—for alleged involvement in illicit drug activities. These arrests were linked to the possession and trafficking of various narcotics, including cannabis sativa, tramadol, cocaine, pentazocine injections, and cannabis-laced edibles. Notably, 66 cases were prosecuted, resulting in 46 convictions. Additionally, the command seized over 10,444 kilograms of cannabis sativa and other psychotropic substances during this period.
The NDLEA also intensified its efforts by destroying approximately 1.42 hectares of cannabis farmland in Iyalode and Ogunmakin villages within the Akinyele Local Government Area, amounting to a total of 3,550 kilograms of cannabis eradicated. Furthermore, the agency recovered firearms, including a pistol with two magazines, a locally fabricated single-barrel gun, and 20 live cartridges. In terms of rehabilitation, 18 individuals were reintegrated into society, and 144 others received counseling services.
Mr. Joe-Fadile emphasized the agency's commitment to public sensitization campaigns aimed at creating a drug-free Oyo State. He urged community members to remain vigilant and collaborate with the NDLEA by providing reliable information to combat drug abuse effectively.
0 Comments