The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ebonyi State Command, has arrested 170 suspected drug traffickers and confiscated a total of 130.986 kg of illicit drugs.
The State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Jude Amaefule, disclosed this to journalists in Abakaliki, the state capital, noting that the major breakthrough was recorded during various operations conducted between January and March 2026.
Providing a breakdown of the arrests, Commander Amaefule revealed that the suspects comprised 146 males and 24 females.
He added that the agency’s legal team has already secured convictions for two of the male suspects. Among the wide array of narcotics intercepted during the first-quarter operations were cannabis sativa, methamphetamine, tramadol, diazepam, co-codamol, ergometrine, pentazocine, and ecstasy.
A further analysis of the seized substances showed that cannabis sativa accounted for the largest share at 85.733 kg.
Other recovered items included 711 capsules of 100 mg tramadol, 0.0617 kg of methamphetamine (popularly known as ‘mkpuru mmiri’ and packaged in 303 pinches), 0.105 kg of diazepam consisting of 723 tablets, and 1.670 kg of pentazocine contained in 487 ampoules, among other dangerous prescription drugs.
Beyond enforcement and prosecution, the command also intensified its rehabilitation and counseling efforts during the period under review.
According to Amaefule, the agency successfully rehabilitated and discharged nine clients, admitted 11 new individuals, and currently has 13 clients undergoing rehabilitation.
Additionally, 52 suspects—consisting of 49 males and three females—were referred to the command’s counseling unit.
Reaffirming the agency’s resolve, the commander reiterated their commitment to eradicating drug abuse and trafficking, while urging those involved in the illicit trade to desist in the interest of the state and the country.
