Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Chairman Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade has led stakeholders in publicly destroying 10,488.61kg of drugs seized by the anti-drug Agency in Kano State. The drugs valued at two hundred and twenty-two million naira (N222m) were destroyed in the city of Kano in line with a Federal High Court order mandating the NDLEA to destroy the drugs in the eyes of the public.
Cannabis which is also called hemp has the largest chunk of the drugs with 9,906.859kg. Psychotropic substance is 570.936kg, heroin 0.0268 grammes, methamphetamine 7.54kg while cocaine is 3kg. The Agency also won 377 convictions with respect to the seized drugs.
Kano State Governor who was impressed with the seizures promised to build a drug Rehabilitation Centre to address the problem of drug abuse in Kano. “I am happy that the newly constituted anti-drug control committee has made significant results by dislodging drug dealers in Kano. The State government will in addition to the six vehicles donated to the drug control task force construct a drug Rehabilitation Centre for the Agency. We shall continue to support the NDLEA in eradicating illicit drugs from the State” Governor promised.
Kwankwaso stated that the State Government will partner with the NDLEA in making Kano drug-free. “We are hopeful that the level of support the State is giving to the NDLEA will bring about a positive change in the status of the State. I look forward to a Kano State without drug abuse and drug trafficking problem” the Governor stated.
The NDLEA boss explained that exhibit destruction is one of the pivotal responsibilities of the NDLEA. In his words, “exhibit destruction is the last event in our operational cycle. The Agency’s operations begin with information gathering and processing. This is followed by arrest, investigation and subsequent prosecution of accused persons. It is after conviction that the drugs are forfeited for destruction”.
Giade noted that substance abuse induces criminal and anti-social behavior hence the need for strict control. “Drug abuse reduces inhibition and makes drug users to engage in unprotected sex as well as sharing of needles. This increases the risk of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis infection. Equally disturbing is the fact that criminal acts like murder, rape, arson and terrorism are perpetuated under the influence of these drugs. We must therefore ensure strict control measures”.
NDLEA Kano commander, Ahmadu Garba described the abuse of uncontrolled substances like rubber solution in the State as disturbing. In his words, “the abuse of rubber solution and other uncontrolled substances as well as the seizure of over 10.4 tons of narcotics are very disturbing. If not for the timely intervention of the Agency, the harm it would have caused to mankind is better imagined”.
The Agency vowed to incapacitate drug trafficking cartels by permanently taking narcotics from the society. “NDLEA remains committed to the dismantling of drug trafficking syndicates. We shall continue to cut off drug supply to addicts and keep our society safe and secure by publicly destroying forfeited drugs. The prosecution of drug traffickers and timely forfeiture of ill-gotten drug proceeds shall also be vigorously pursued” Giade assured.
The NDLEA Chairman thanked the governor for his unwavering support to the Agency. In his words, “let me sincerely thank the Kano State government under the pragmatic leadership of Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Besides the reorganization of the drug control committee, six vehicles and other logistic support were also received from the State government towards the anti-narcotic campaign”.
While promising to keep Kano State and the entire country drug-free Giade called on parents to inculcate discipline in their children. “The Agency is winning the war and will deploy all resources at its disposal in the fight against narcotics. I charge parents to train up their children properly. Their primary responsibility is to inculcate discipline and fear of God in them. Parents must also know the type of association their children keep. These checks will help to guide them against negative influences that could make them to traffic and abuse drugs” the Chairman added.
The destruction event was attended by the State Governor, members of the State Executive council, heads of organizations and youth associations. The list of dignitaries includes Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, the Wamban Kano who represented the Emir of Kano, the honourable Commissioner for Health, Kano State, Dr Abubakar Yusuf Labaran, heads of security Agencies and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
