The Cross River State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reported the arrest of 274 suspected drug dealers and the seizure of 788.8kg of illicit drugs in 2024.
State Commandant Rachael Umebuali disclosed these figures during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar, highlighting the agency’s success in combating drug trafficking and abuse within the state.
Major Achievements in 2024
- Convictions: The command secured 38 convictions and had a Toyota Previa bus forfeited to the federal government.
- Drug Seizures: The seized substances included hemp, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin, surpassing the 2023 figures.
- Rising Youth Involvement: Umebuali expressed concern over the increasing cases of drug abuse among young people, noting that vehicles and motorbikes were commonly used to transport banned substances.
Challenges in Drug Enforcement
Despite the successes, Umebuali pointed out significant obstacles affecting the command’s operations:
- Inadequate Resources: A shortage of operational vehicles and funds has hampered efforts.
- Infrastructure Issues: Poor road conditions, especially during the rainy season, limit accessibility.
- Social Issues: Cultism, communal crises, and uncooperative host communities impede intelligence gathering.
- Inter-Agency Cooperation: Limited collaboration with other agencies and instances of sabotage hinder progress.
Call for Support
Umebuali appealed for increased funding, vehicles, and logistics support to enhance the command’s ability to combat drug trafficking effectively. She emphasized the need for better cooperation from host communities in providing timely information to aid operations.
The NDLEA remains committed to addressing drug trafficking and abuse in Cross River State, urging all stakeholders to support its mission to create a safer society.
