The Oyo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) apprehended 546 individuals for alleged involvement in illicit drug activities between January and December 2024, PulseNets learned.
Olayinka Joe-Fadile, the NDLEA Commander in Oyo State, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Ibadan on Thursday. He highlighted the Command’s achievements during the year under review.
PulseNets learnt that the arrested suspects included 449 males and 97 females, aged between 12 and 80 years. According to Joe-Fadile, while some suspects were allegedly caught in possession of narcotics, others were intercepted for dealing in substances such as cannabis sativa, tramadol, cakes infused with cannabis sativa, cocaine, and pentazocine injections, among others.
The Commander told PulseNets that 66 cases were filed in court, resulting in 46 convictions during the year under review. Additionally, the Command reportedly seized a total of 10,444.538 kilograms of cannabis sativa and other psychotropic substances within the same period.
Joe-Fadile further stated:
“The command destroyed a total of 1.420093 hectares of cannabis sativa farmland at Iyalode and Ogunmakin villages in Akinyele LGA, which put the total cannabis destroyed to 3,550.2kg.
“The command also recovered one pistol with two magazines, one locally fabricated single-barrel gun, 20 live cartridges, and other ammunition.
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“The command rehabilitated 18 persons who were integrated back into society and counseled 144 persons during the period.”
Speaking to PulseNets, Joe-Fadile emphasized the importance of continued public sensitization about the dangers of illicit drug trafficking to ensure a drug-free Oyo State. He expressed gratitude to the residents of the state for their support and appealed for sustained cooperation to create a safer and crime-free society.
