NDLEA arrests 198 suspects in Kano

The Kano State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Tuesday disclosed that the agency arrested 198 drug suspects and dismantled 21 illicit drug joints in Kano.

The Spokesman of the agency, Mr Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari, disclosed this in a press statement, adding that the suspects were arrested between January 17 and January 26, 2024, in the ongoing “Operation Hana Maye’’ (Operation Stop Drug Abuse), launched by its Commander, Abubakar Idris-Ahmad.

“The operation is aimed at combating drug trafficking and abuse in the State.

Out of the 198 suspects arrested, according to the statement, 177 were males, while the test 21 were females.

“Out of the 198 suspects, 61 of them were arrested in a club, which had been transformed into an illicit drug joint.

“The 42 suspects were arrested at Dan Agundi graveyard and 21 drug joints, including Sheka graveyard and Sheka Obajana, which were dismantled to create a safer environment and discourage drug-related activities in the state”

He also disclosed that the Command successfully recovered a substantial amount of illicit substances, which includes, five Exol rubber solution, suck and die, cannabis, and other dangerous substances.

Furthermore, the statement reiterated the agency’s commitment to eradicating drug abuse and trafficking.

“We will continue to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend drug traffickers, disrupt drug supply chains, and provide necessary support and rehabilitation to those affected by drug addiction.

“To this extent, the agency called on the general public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to drug abuse and trafficking to the appropriate authorities.

“Together, we can build a drug-free and safer society for all.”

The PUNCH reported in May 2023, the anti-narcotics agency arrested 85 drug suspects at a nightclub in Kano.

The Commander of the agency in the state, Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, disclosed that the arrests resulted from complaints about drug-related activities at the club, adding that members of the club’s host community complained that the establishment had been transformed into a drug den. He noted that 30 female and 55 male suspects had been detained.

Also, in November 2023, the Command destroyed over 15.7 tonnes of narcotic drugs and other psychotropic substances seized in the last three years.