The Edo Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the successful conviction of 67 drug traffickers within the state in the year 2023. Mr. Buba Wakawa, the Sector Commander of the agency in the state, shared this information with newsmen on Sunday in Benin, highlighting that the convicted individuals were part of the suspects apprehended between January and December of the past year.
Out of the 173 suspects arrested and brought to court during this period, 67 received various prison sentences after being found guilty of drug-related offenses. However, Wakawa mentioned that 106 cases involving drug suspects were still pending at different stages in the courts.
In addition to the convictions, the sector commander revealed that the drug reduction unit apprehended 414 individuals dependent on drugs throughout the year. These individuals were not only arrested but also provided with counseling services and subsequently reunited with their families.
Wakawa urged the people of the state to support the agency by providing useful information to enhance its success in combating illicit drugs. He also called on communities across the state to cease granting land for the cultivation of drug substances.