In 2024, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) achieved a major victory in Kwara State’s battle against drug abuse. The agency arrested 929 individuals and seized an impressive 2.6 tons of illegal drugs throughout the year.

Of the 929 suspects arrested, 839 were male, and 90 were female. The drugs seized included cannabis, Tramadol, diazepam, methamphetamine, codeine-laced cough syrup, and crack cocaine. Cannabis was the most common drug, accounting for over 1,455 kilograms of the total haul.

As part of efforts to reduce the impact of drugs on the community, the NDLEA conducted a major sweep that removed 1.5 tons of cannabis from the streets. During another operation aimed at drug joints, the agency arrested 185 drug users, who were then sent to the drug demand reduction unit for counseling before being reintegrated with their families.

The NDLEA’s commitment to rehabilitation was also evident. The agency admitted 22 clients into its rehabilitation facility, while 17 others received non-residential counseling. In addition, the NDLEA’s legal team secured 133 convictions at the Federal High Court for drug-related offenses.

In collaboration with the Kwara State government, the NDLEA implemented a drug testing policy for new students at Kwara State University (KWASU), ensuring that all 261 students tested negative for drug use.

Mrs. Fatima Popoola, the State Commander of NDLEA, expressed her gratitude to the Kwara State government and other security agencies for their ongoing support. She urged parents to be vigilant and involved in their children’s activities to prevent them from engaging in harmful behaviors.

Popoola also called on the state government to provide more operational vehicles and help complete the rehabilitation center, which would further support the agency’s efforts to combat drug abuse in Kwara.