The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Wednesday, set ablaze 83.35 tons of cannabis sativa, widely known as Indian hemp, in Ondo State, warning traffickers that their illicit trade would continue to face stiff resistance.
Speaking at the public destruction exercise in Akure, Chairman of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), said the exhibits were culled from years of sustained enforcement operations.
Marwa, who was represented by DCGN Ningi, revealed that the narcotics were seized between January 2017 and December 2024, explaining that all the drugs destroyed had been subjects of cases successfully adjudicated by the Federal High Court, Akure Division.
According to him, “The exhibits being destroyed today are outcomes of painstaking investigations and diligent prosecutions. They represent cases that have passed through the judicial process, affirming our commitment to due process and justice.”
The NDLEA boss noted that the scale of the destruction underscores both the magnitude of the drug problem and the agency’s resolve to confront it head-on, warning traffickers that their activities would continue to meet stiff resistance.
Throwing his weight behind the agency’s efforts, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, declared that the state remains uncompromising in its stance against hard drugs, stressing that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
Represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, the governor said the state government has adopted a multi-pronged approach to tackle the menace, particularly among youths.
“This administration is taking proactive steps to tackle the menace through sustained sensitisation programmes and collaboration with relevant stakeholders. There is no room for hard drugs in our state,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa further warned that the state would not tolerate individuals or groups involved in the possession, trafficking, or consumption of illicit substances, insisting that security agencies have been fully empowered to act decisively.
Also speaking, the Ondo State Commander of NDLEA, Daniel Sallah, expressed appreciation to the state government for its continued support, particularly in the areas of logistics and personnel welfare.
“The cooperation we have received from the Ondo State Government has significantly boosted our operations and enhanced our capacity to deliver on our mandate,” Sallah said.
The exercise drew a wide array of stakeholders, including heads of security agencies, the state chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), youth organisations, traditional rulers, and religious leaders, all of whom lent their voices to the campaign against drug abuse.
Fidelis David in Akure
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