NAN
Enugu: The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Enugu Command, says it has seized 929.463 kilograms of various illicit substances and secured the conviction of 53 drug-related dealers in Enugu State.
The various illicit drugs, including Cannabis Sativa and methamphetamine, popularly known as Crystal Meth or “Mkpuru Mmiri,” were seized between November 2025 and June 2026.
The Commander of the NDLEA in Enugu State, Mr Owoputi Adekunle, disclosed this on Friday during the commemoration of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Enugu.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was held in collaboration with the Enugu State Government, with the theme: “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges and Innovative Response.”
The participants included students, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, government officials and other stakeholders involved in the fight against drug abuse.
Adekunle said that within the review period, the command also counselled 157 clients, while 23 others were currently undergoing rehabilitation.
According to him, the command’s prosecution unit also recorded significant achievements.
“Our prosecution unit is not left out. A total of 53 suspects have been convicted, while 111 cases are currently pending before the Federal High Court.
“Apart from the convictions, assets acquired as proceeds of crime were forfeited to the Federal Government.
The commander described drug abuse and illicit trafficking as major threats to public health, security and national development, urging all stakeholders to intensify efforts toward prevention, awareness and rehabilitation.
“Drug abuse destroys lives, families and communities. It particularly affects our youth, who are the future of our nation.
“As law enforcement officers, we remain committed to reducing the supply of illicit drugs while working with communities, schools, religious organisations, traditional rulers and other security agencies to promote a drug-free society,” he said.
Adekunle urged members of the public to support the campaign against drug abuse by educating others, reporting drug-related activities and supporting rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.
Also speaking, Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State urged young people to reject drug and substance abuse and instead take advantage of the numerous opportunities created by the state government.
Represented by the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, the governor explained that opportunities have been opened up in agriculture, digital technology and mechanised farming to empower youths and discourage involvement in drug abuse.
“We cannot build the economy with youths who are not hardworking. It is with your brains and physical strength that our economy can grow.
“The consequences of drug abuse are enormous, and we must ensure our youths remain productive and contribute meaningfully to economic development,” he said.
He added that special adolescent health units were also being established as part of efforts to address drug abuse among young people.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Dr Roland Okereke, Senior Registrar at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, described substance abuse as a “chronic illness” that destroyed lives and limited future opportunities.
Okereke stressed that prevention remained the most effective strategy, noting that many people with substance use disorders delayed seeking medical care due to stigma and poor access to treatment.
He said the South-East had only one Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital providing specialised treatment for substance use disorders, resulting in a significant treatment gap.
According to him, commonly abused substances include alcohol, cannabis, methamphetamine, cocaine, hallucinogens and emerging synthetic psychoactive drugs.
He warned that drug abuse contributed to increased mortality, crime, violence, terrorism and other social problems, urging families to avoid stigmatising affected persons and instead encouraged them to seek professional help.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion and Chairman of Ezeagu Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Emmanuel Anichebe, called on parents to pay closer attention to their children’s upbringing.
He urged parents to build closer relationships with their children to enable them to share their challenges and receive proper guidance before being influenced negatively by peers.
Highlights of the celebration included the crowning of Gov. Peter Mbah as a Drug Abuse Ambassador, drama presentations, debates and question-and-answer sessions on drug abuse awareness.
