In one of its most significant operations in recent years, the Cross River State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 262 suspected drug traffickers and destroyed eight hectares of cannabis plantations.
The massive seven-month crackdown, which spanned from November 2025 to May 2026, marks a major milestone in the agency’s ongoing battle against narcotics distribution within the state.
State Commander Anteyi John disclosed the standard-setting breakthrough on Tuesday in Calabar during a press briefing organized to commemorate the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
According to Commander John, the suspects taken into custody include 207 males and 55 females.
He emphasized that the aggressive enforcement strategy was specifically designed to dismantle distribution networks, disrupt local supply chains, and make the illicit drug trade financially devastating for traffickers.
A major highlight of the intensified campaign was the location and total destruction of two expansive cannabis farms in the Uyanga Community of Akamkpa Local Government Area on April 7 and April 25, 2026.
By clearing the eight hectares of illicit crops, the NDLEA successfully prevented a massive volume of narcotics from reaching urban dealers.
Alongside the farm eradications, operatives intercepted a staggering 6.6 tonnes (6,575.009 kilograms) of illicit substances, making it one of the largest single-period seizures recorded in the history of the Cross River Command.
The breakdown of the seized contraband paints a stark picture of the diverse drug threat in the region. The haul was heavily dominated by 6,397.59 kilograms of Cannabis sativa and 1.47 kilograms of cannabis seeds.
Additionally, authorities confiscated 166.37 kilograms of psychotropic substances, 778.64 grams of methamphetamine, 60.4 grams of cocaine, and 20.17 grams of heroin, effectively removing these dangerous substances from the streets.
Parallel to the physical seizures, the command’s legal and rehabilitation units have been working at a relentless pace.
The NDLEA has already secured 28 convictions—comprising 20 males and 8 females—while 61 suspects have been formally charged and 132 cases remain pending in High Court.
Balancing enforcement with empathy, the agency also provided counseling to 138 individuals for recovery and reintegration, while reaching over 156,000 residents through 99 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization programs in schools, workplaces, and places of worship.
