The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Abia State has made big progress in the fight against illegal drugs. In the past year alone, they arrested 222 suspects and took away around 1.94 million kilograms of illegal drugs.
This was shared during a press briefing held in Aba as part of a week-long event to mark the 2025 United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse, which is set for June 26. Mr. Chigbu Odoemelam Chilee, the acting commander of the NDLEA in Abia, said the agency is working harder to stop drug abuse and trafficking, despite the many arrests and seizures already made.
He also noted that Aba currently has the only rehabilitation center for drug addicts in the state. However, a second rehab center is being built in Umuahia with support from Governor Alex Otti. It’s expected to be ready in a few months.
Chilee said the problem of illegal drug use in Abia State is very serious. The high numbers of arrests, drug seizures, and people asking for help clearly show that drug abuse and trafficking are major issues in the state.
He revealed that in just one year, the agency seized about 1.094 million kilograms of drugs such as cannabis, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, diazepam, and codeine. He explained that methamphetamine, which people in the area call mkpurummiri, is the most common drug they find.
The commander explained that NDLEA’s work is divided into two parts—reducing supply and reducing demand. The large amount of drugs seized is part of their effort to reduce the supply.
To reduce demand, NDLEA focuses on awareness programs and helping drug users get clean. He mentioned that the rehab center in Aba is one of the best, based on the number of people it has successfully helped.
Mr. Chilee also said that Aba and Umuahia are the main hotspots for illegal drug sales and use in Abia. But the agency is not stopping there.
He assured the public that NDLEA is also active in rural areas and all 17 local government areas of the state. According to him, the agency is doing everything it can to stop the spread of illegal drugs and protect communities across Abia.
