The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Edo State Command, has arrested 252 suspected drug dealers and traffickers within nine months.
The state Commander of the anti drug law agency in Edo State, Buba Wakawa, said the suspects were arrested between January and September.
Wakawa who spoke through the agency Assistant Commander Narcotic, in charge of Media and Advocacy, Ondoimi Bebetu, in Benin City, said the apprehended suspects who were considered users were counseled and released to their loved ones because the law permit the agency to do so
He explained that in fighting drug trafficking, the agency liaise with the police, army, DSS and other sister agencies to carry out periodic raids in hotels and event centres in the state to arrest drug dealers and traffickers.
According to him, “From January till date, NDLEA has arrested 252 suspected drug traffickers and peddlers in the state. Some of them have been jailed, some are still in court while other have been counselled.
“We go to hotels and recreational centres where young boys and girls hide to traffick drugs.The arrested suspects are usually questioned to know those who are dealers, drug peddlers and users.”
Wakawa said though the drug war in Edo State has been very challenging, the agency is doing its best in curtail drug use and supply drug chain in the state
“Some of the commonest drug from this dealers are cannabis, tramadol, cocaine, heroine, colorado and codeine syrup. The users sniff this drug, sometimes cook or chew them raw while they smoke the dried one, and swallow tramadol,” he added.