The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has recorded a major breakthrough in its war against drug trafficking in Cross River State, seizing more than six tons of illicit substances and arresting 216 suspects within six months.
Addressing journalists in Calabar, State Commander Anteyi John said the operations, carried out between November 2025 and April 2026, underscore an intensified crackdown on drug-related crimes in the state. He revealed that among those arrested were 170 males and 46 females, reflecting the scale and reach of the agency’s enforcement efforts.
The bulk of the seizures consisted of cannabis sativa, which accounted for over 5,800 kilograms. Other recovered substances included cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, ecstasy, cannabis seeds, psychotropic drugs, and cannabis tincture. In total, operatives confiscated 6,008.9771 kilograms of drugs alongside 16.2 litres of liquid substances.
In one of the most significant operations during the period, the command destroyed six hectares of cannabis farms across the state. Authorities estimated that about 15 tons of fresh cannabis worth over ₦500 million were eliminated, while an additional 119 kilograms of processed cannabis was recovered from the sites.
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The agency also made notable progress in prosecution. It secured 21 convictions, while 94 cases remain pending in court and 24 new cases were filed within the review period. One suspect was discharged and acquitted. The command further recorded legal victories, including the dismissal of a human rights suit challenging its stop-and-search operations and a favourable ruling at the Court of Appeal affirming earlier judgments.
Beyond enforcement, the NDLEA expanded its public awareness drive, conducting 87 sensitisation campaigns that reached over 153,000 people across the state. The command also provided counselling and rehabilitation services to 119 individuals and carried out 54 drug integrity tests, with 37 returning positive results.
Officials say the latest figures highlight both the scale of drug abuse challenges and the growing response by authorities, as efforts intensify to curb trafficking, reduce demand, and strengthen community awareness across Cross River State.
