215 arrested for drugs in Bayelsa

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in
Bayelsa says it arrested 215 suspected drug traffickers
in 2016, and seized 219.9 kilos of illicit drugs.
A statement signed by Osakwe Ikenna, Principal Staff
Officer, Public Affairs, in Yenagoa on Friday, said
among those arrested, 164 were male while 51 were
female, adding that the agency secured 19 convictions,
rehabilitated 149 drug dependence people.
“At present, two residential clients, are still undergoing
rehabilitation,” he said.
He said the agency in collaboration with various groups,
communities and associations also carried out far-
reaching public enlightenment.
Ikenna said the agency in the last quarter of 2016
arrested 39 suspects and seized 52.9 kgs of various
illicit drugs.
He said that during the last quarter, the NDLEA
operatives apprehended several drug dealers on the
command’s watch-list.
He said the suspects, include a notorious baron, who
was arrested on Nov. 12 with 20 kgs of dried weeds
suspected to be Cannabis Sativa recovered from his
warehouse in Yenagoa.
He said the suspected baron’s storekeeper and carrier
were also arrested.
Ikenna reiterated that NDLEA would continue to fish out
unrepentant drug barons, who destroy the lives of
unsuspecting youths and foster criminality and
insecurity in the society.
The spokesman appealed to communities to support
the agency by providing relevant and accurate
information on drug dealers in their areas.
“We counsel all residents to celebrate the festivities by
abstaining from all illicit substances.
“We also encourage parents to listen to their children,
give them moral and psychological support to prevent
them from being lured into the use of illicit drugs by
their peers.” (NAN)