The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Cross River State Command, has announced that its sustained enforcement operations between November 2025 and May 2026 led to the arrest of 262 suspected drug offenders and the seizure of over 6,575 kilograms of illicit substances across the state.
Key Highlights
NDLEA arrests 262 drug offenders in Cross River between November 2025 and May 2026.
Arrests comprise 207 males and 55 females.
Agency secures 28 convictions during the period under review.
Fourteen hectares of cannabis farms destroyed in Akamkpa LGA.
Total drug seizures hit 6,575.009kg.
Cannabis, tramadol, codeine, and methamphetamine identified as the most abused substances.
NDLEA warns against rising trend of multiple-drug consumption among youths.
The State Commander of NDLEA, CN John Anteyi, disclosed the figures on Tuesday during a press briefing in Calabar to commemorate the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
According to Anteyi, the command recorded significant operational successes, including the conviction of 28 drug offenders and the destruction of 14 hectares of cannabis plantations in Akamkpa Local Government Area.
The commander revealed that the total quantity of drugs seized during the period stood at 6,575.009 kilograms, comprising 6,397.59095kg of Cannabis Sativa, 1.465kg of cannabis seeds, 60.4 grams of cocaine, 20.17 grams of heroin, 778.64 grams of methamphetamine, and 166.36673kg of psychotropic substances.
Speaking on the drug abuse situation in the state, Anteyi identified cannabis, tramadol, codeine-based cough syrups, and methamphetamine as the substances most commonly abused by residents, particularly youths.
“The substances commonly abused in Cross River State include cannabis (marijuana), tramadol and other prescription opioids, codeine-based cough syrups, methamphetamine and other synthetic drugs,” he stated.
He added that other commonly abused substances include cocaine, heroin, sedatives, tranquilizers, alcohol, tobacco products, including cigarettes and vapes, as well as inhalants such as glue, petrol, paint thinners, and other volatile substances.
The NDLEA commander expressed concern over the increasing trend of drug users combining multiple substances to achieve stronger intoxicating effects, warning that the practice significantly increases the risks of addiction, mental health disorders, overdose, and death.
Anteyi attributed the growing incidence of drug abuse among young people to factors such as peer pressure, unemployment, poverty, family instability, curiosity, social media influence, easy access to illicit substances, cultism, gang activities, and academic pressures.
He stressed that substance abuse continues to destroy lives, weaken families, fuel criminal activities, and undermine national development.
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The commander called on parents, community leaders, religious institutions, schools, and other stakeholders to intensify efforts in combating drug abuse, emphasizing that the fight against illicit drugs requires collective action.
“Say No to Drug Abuse. Say Yes to Life, Health, Security and Development,” Anteyi declared.
Also speaking, the wife of the Cross River State Governor and Chairperson of the State Drug Control Committee, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to tackling drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
Represented by her Press Secretary, Faith Okon, Mrs. Otu described substance abuse as one of the greatest threats confronting the health, security, and future of young Nigerians.
“Drug abuse remains one of the greatest threats to the health, security and future of our people, particularly our young population. This menace should not be allowed to define the future of our youths,” she stated.
She urged residents to support ongoing efforts aimed at reducing substance abuse and creating a healthier and more productive society.
