1000 suspected drug dealers arrested in Anambra - NDLEA

No fewer than 1000 persons suspected to be dealing in illicit drugs have been arrested in Anambra State, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the state has said.

The state commander of the agency, Mr Sule Momodu, who made the disclosure in Awka, the state capital, during an event to mark the 2017 United Nations Day against illicit drug abuse and trafficking, said the suspects were arrested between January and June this year.

He said 10 of the suspects were convicted during the period, while 150 cases were pending at the Federal High Court, Awka, adding that the agency executed 100 raids in and around the state during the period under review.

He maintained that the fight against illicit drugs required the efforts of governments at all levels, religious leaders and traditional rulers, and urged parents to always listen to their children’s aspirations and needs so as to guide them appropriately.

A guest lecturer and Assistant Director, Training at the NDLEA national headquarters, Abdul Momodu, identified bad parenting, poverty and poor opportunities for education as some of the factors that make children vulnerable to illicit drugs.

Some students who participated in the programme noted that creation of awareness on the consequences of illicit drugs would help them to stay away from them.

One of them, Miss Chioma Monago, advised children to always say no to illicit drugs.

The celebration which was supposed to be held on the 26th of June was shifted to July 4th due to the Sallah holidays.