Since February 2021, the National substances Law Enforcement Agency has detained 31,675 drug offenders and seized 6,252 tonnes of illicit substances, according to information released on Monday in Abuja by the agency’s chairman.
Of those detained, 5,147, including 35 barons, he claimed had received jail sentences.
Marwa gave the opening address at the national conference held at the State House in Abuja to commemorate this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking. “In the past 29 months, 31,675 drug offenders have been brought to book, among them 35 barons, and so far, 5,147 have earned jail terms, with over 6,252 tonnes of illicit drugs seized,” Marwa said.
The NDLEA chief said some of the prosecuted offenders have forfeited their ill-gotten wealth to the government.
Marwa described these as part of efforts to rid the country of illicit drugs and the attendant consequences of drug abuse on youth.
“This is even as we continue to prioritise prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, ensuring that those affected by drugs are given the necessary support and care they need to rebuild their lives,” he added.
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He also revealed that the NDLEA commissioned a Drug Abuse Call Centre with a 24/7 toll-free helpline, 0800 1020 3040, to attend to individuals with drug challenges and their families.
“The centre is manned by a team of professionals, including psychologists, psychotherapists, counsellors, social workers, mental health specialists, and psychiatry doctors, who provide support to people who use drugs and their family members, without the fear of being judged or stigmatised, to facilitate recovery and manage social and emotional problems, thereby improving their quality of life,” Marwa revealed further.
Aside from the call centre, the NDLEA has 34 counselling and rehabilitation centres across its commands, the anti-drug helmsman disclosed.
The facilities, he said, offer psychosocial interventions and reintegration for drug users.
On future efforts, he revealed that the agency, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and other stakeholders, is in the process of implementing the Harm Reduction interventions of the Needle and Syringe programme and medication-assisted treatment for opioid users.
The theme for the 2023 commemoration is People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention.
Present are President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Country Representative of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Oliver Stolpe; Speaker of the House of Representatives, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu; Solicitor General of the Federation, Beatrice Jedy-Agba; Representative of the Chairman of the MTN Foundation, Dennis Okoro and Former Inspector-General of Police, Ogbonna Onovo.
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