NDLEA arrests woman, seizes 1.1 tonnes of cannabis in C’River

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Cross River State Command, has arrested a 46-year-old woman, Adama Inuwa, and seized 181 bags of suspected cannabis weighing about 1,100 kilogrammes in Yala Nkum community, Ikom Local Government Area of the state.

The suspect, who reportedly claimed to be from Ogoja Local Government Area, was arrested during a raid conducted by operatives of the agency on October 4.

The NDLEA also recovered 17.15 kilogrammes of suspected cannabis seeds during the operation.

The agency disclosed this in a statement by its Media and Advocacy Officer in the state command, ASN1 Sebastian Lebo, on behalf of the state commander.

According to the statement, the seizure comprised 181 bags of suspected cannabis sativa weighing approximately 1.1 tonnes.

It said the suspect had been taken into custody, while investigations were ongoing to identify others, who might be connected with the consignment.

The command said the suspect would be charged in court after the completion of investigations and other necessary legal procedures.

The NDLEA described the seizure as a significant intervention in its efforts to disrupt the supply and distribution of illicit drugs in the state.

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The agency stated that removing such a large quantity of suspected cannabis and cannabis seeds from circulation would help prevent their distribution and use.

It added that sustained intelligence-led operations, community cooperation and timely information from residents remained crucial to identifying and disrupting illicit drug activities.

The command urged traditional rulers, parents, community leaders, youth organisations and other stakeholders to support efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse.

It also encouraged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist law enforcement agencies in tackling illicit drug activities in the state.

NDLEA emphasised that it would continue to combine enforcement operations with preventive education, public enlightenment and collaboration with relevant stakeholders as part of its mandate to combat illicit drug trafficking and abuse.