The Bayelsa State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the arrest of 620 drug suspects and the seizure of 477.668 kilograms of illicit drugs over the past year, highlighting intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse across the state.
Key Highlights:
- NDLEA arrests 620 suspects in Bayelsa within one year.
- Agency intercepts 477.668 kilograms of illicit drugs.
- Over 52,740 tablets and capsules of psychotropic substances seized.
- 591 drug users treated and rehabilitated by the command.
- NDLEA secures 17 convictions, with 62 cases still pending in court.
- Youths aged 21 to 25 identified as the most affected by drug abuse.
The Bayelsa State Commander and Controller of Narcotics, CN Kanu Chukwuemeka, disclosed the figures during a media briefing to commemorate the 2026 World Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The theme for this year’s observance, “World Drug Problems: Resisting Issues with New Challenges,” reflects the evolving nature of drug-related crimes and the operational realities confronting the agency in Bayelsa State, he said.
According to Chukwuemeka, the command arrested 429 male suspects and 191 female suspects, bringing the total number of arrests during the review period to 620.
He noted that while drug abuse affects both men and women, statistics indicate that young men remain disproportionately involved in drug-related offences.
The NDLEA commander disclosed that the command recorded significant seizures of narcotic and psychotropic substances, including:
•52,740 tablets and capsules of psychotropic drugs.
•1,152 ampoules of injectable substances.
•208 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup.
•437.203 litres of cannabis-infused alcohol, locally known as “Monkey Tail” or “Koskorin.”
He said the total weight of all narcotics and psychotropic substances seized during the period stood at 477.668 kilograms.
Rehabilitation and Prosecution Efforts
Chukwuemeka stated that the command also intensified efforts in drug demand reduction through rehabilitation and counselling programmes.
According to him, 591 persons underwent drug testing, treatment, and rehabilitation, while 29 clients were admitted into the agency’s rehabilitation facility.
He added that beyond reducing the supply of illicit drugs, the command remained committed to prosecuting offenders.
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“The command has secured 17 convictions, while 18 new cases were initiated during the period under review. In addition, 62 cases are currently pending before the courts,” he said.
Drug Abuse Common Among Young Adults
The commander expressed concern over the increasing abuse of psychotropic substances and cannabis-infused concoctions, noting that the trend remains most prevalent among persons aged 21 to 25 years.
He said the agency has intensified sensitisation campaigns across secondary schools and communities in Bayelsa State to discourage drug abuse among young people.
Chukwuemeka commended the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), for his leadership and reforms, which he said have strengthened the agency’s operations nationwide.
He also appreciated Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for his continuous support to the command, particularly in advancing the fight against illicit drug trafficking and abuse in the state.
