NDLEA arrests 24 suspected drug traffickers in Bayelsa

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Bayelsa State Command, has arrested 24 suspected drug traffickers in the state.

Of the number, 20 suspects were males, while four were females.

The NDLEA spokesman, Mr. Ikenna Osakwe, said in a statement that the suspects, who were arrested in March 2016, were apprehended within the Yenagoa metropolis and on the East-West Road area of Bayelsa.

Osakwe, a Superintendent of Narcotics and Principal Staff Officer, Public Affairs, said during the period, a total 8.706kg of illicit hard drugs were seized from the suspects.

He said, “It is worthy of note that of the above quantities, Cannabis Sativa and psychotropic substances accounted for a substantial part of the recovered illicit drugs.

“It is becoming worrisome that adolescents and youths are adopting novel means of substance abuse in our communities which has led to the rise in illegal sale and consumption of psychotropic substances in the state.”

The spokesman called on parents and guardians to increase their vigilance and monitor their children and wards closely both at home and in the school.

According to him, “This is to ensure timely intervention where substance abuse is noticed. They are also encouraged to avail themselves of information on latest trends in substance abuse to ensure possible identification where and when it occurs.

“Irrespective of the fact that criminality is not the exclusive reserve of any sex, it is becoming increasingly regrettable that women who should be home and by extension, nation builders, are becoming more involved in illicit drug dealing. This raises more concern when the women in question are mothers or expectant mothers.”

He, therefore, called on the state Ministry of Women Affairs as well as other female rights advocacy groups and organisations to partner the command to enlighten and sensitise the female folk better.

Osakwe urged the general public to desist from accepting parcels, consignments or luggage from friends and relatives for onward conveyance without consciously and painstakingly ascertaining the contents of such.

He said investigation had revealed that individuals had unknowingly become drug mules or couriers for friends and relatives.

He noted that ignorance of the law was not and could not be a mitigating argument and such actions could not only be perceived as carelessness, but even criminal negligence.

“All well-meaning residents of Bayelsa State are also encouraged to maintain vigilance in their communities and report illegal drug activities to the command for prompt action,” he said.