NDLEA Arrests 242 Suspects In Anambra As Navy Arrests 2 Suspects

                                       

Odogwuemekaodogwu.com reports that the Anambra State command of the National Drug Law enforcement Agency, NDLEA , today paraded 6 suspects arrested at Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state for their involvement in drug abuse and trafficking.

This, according to the agency, brings the total number of suspects apprehended in the state since January this year to 242 suspects in connection with drug abuse and trafficking.

The state commander of the agency, Mr. Sule Momodu stated in Awka today that the arrest has given a boost to this year’s International Day against Drug abuse and trafficking adding that the suspects were arrested for dealing in cocaine, heroin, cannabis sativa and psychotropic substances, revealing that 22 have been convicted.

Mr Momodu further stated that the total substance including cocaine seized by the agency in Anambra State weighs about 283.03 kilogramme.

According to the state commander, “the recent discovery and dismantling of clandestine laboratory for methamphetamine production at Nanka has added a new dimension to the drug problems in the state. Anambra now plays the three tiers of production, transition and consumption of illicit drugs” he said.

He noted that “Anambra State command of NDLEA has been working assiduously to tame the excesses of the hydra-headed monster with the arrest and prosecution of many dealers and rehabilitation of drug addicts”

He further stated that the aim of the International Day of illicit drug abuse and trafficking is to awaken people to their responsibilities and reinvigorate the efforts of NDLEA in addressing the drug abuse.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Message of Hope: Drug use Disorder is Treatable and Preventable’, the State Commander advised drug addicts not to be dispensed but bear in mind that drugs can be treated, regretting that the agency has many treatment centres across the country except in Anambra State but called on the state government to set up one in the state.

In a paper entitled, ‘Drug use, Drug use Disorders and Roles of the community in Containing Drug Trafficking and abuse’, the guest lecturer and Cognitive Behaviour Psychotherapist, and Human Resources Development Consultant, Harry Obi-Nwosu Ph.D identified early signs into drugs to include: change in dressing and personal care, changes in routine activities and timing, unusual boldness, provocability among others and tasks parents and elders, organized labour and religious bodies  to be upright in plying their roles in the society, urging all stakeholders to strive to be the change agents.

Similarly, the Nigeria Navy on today nabbed two suspected criminal syndicate, who specializes in snatching motorcycles and duping unsuspecting members of the public in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The suspects were nabbed at about 12 noon along Atani road why trying to escape with a forcefully snatched motorcycle from an unsuspecting commercial rider.

Parading the suspects in Onitsha, Navy Capt. Mike Oamen, Commanding Officer of Naval Out-Post, Onitsha told newsmen that the navy would continue to flush-out criminals in Onitsha.

Oamen noted that the navy would bring relieve to residents of Anambra especially those who live along the River Niger and its adjoining communities.

According to him,``We would intensify our hunt for criminals both on the River Niger as well as communities along the river to ensure that our people are safe,’’ he said.

He, however, urged the residents not to shield any dubious or nefarious character around them.

``We needed prompt information to continue to make Onitsha safe for all as well as check people with wicked intentions,’’ he noted.

one of the suspects, Chigbo Daniel, noted that he had been on the crime for some time now.

Daniel noted that he usually sell the motorcycles from N5,000 and above; adding: ``I would co-operate with the navy to get those who buy the motorcycles from me’’.

The suspects were handed over to the Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad for further investigation.