The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Oyo State Command, arrested 546 individuals for alleged involvement in illicit drug activities between January and December 2024.
During a press briefing in Ibadan on Thursday, the NDLEA Commander, Mr. Olayinka Joe-Fadile, outlined the command’s accomplishments over the year.
“The suspects include 449 males and 97 females, aged between 12 and 80 years,” Joe-Fadile stated.
He explained that the arrests were linked to the possession and trafficking of narcotics such as cannabis sativa, tramadol, cocaine, pentazocine injections, and cannabis-infused cakes.
The commander further revealed that 66 cases were prosecuted in court, leading to 46 convictions. Additionally, the command seized 10,444.538kg of cannabis sativa and other psychotropic substances during the year.
“The command also destroyed 1.420093 hectares of cannabis sativa farmland in Iyalode and Ogunmakin villages within Akinyele Local Government Area, totaling 3,550.2kg of cannabis destroyed,” Joe-Fadile noted.
He also reported the recovery of firearms, including a pistol with two magazines, a locally-made single-barrel gun, and 20 live cartridges.
In addition to enforcement, the NDLEA focused on rehabilitation efforts.
“Eighteen individuals were rehabilitated and reintegrated into society, while 144 others received counseling throughout the year,” Joe-Fadile added.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to public sensitization campaigns aimed at creating a drug-free Oyo State.
Expressing gratitude to residents for their support, Joe-Fadile urged continued cooperation to ensure the state remains safer and crime-free.
