Authorities seize over 134kg of banned substances, apprehend 157 narcotics peddlers in Ebonyi crackdown

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ebonyi State Command, made a significant seizure of illicit drugs, with a total of 134.483kg intercepted in various parts of the state during the last quarter of 2025, according to Jeff Agbodo.

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In terms of arrests, the command apprehended 157 drug dealers, consisting of 34 females and 123 males, with ages ranging from 14 to 84 years, as disclosed by State Commander Jude Ahamefule in Abakaliki.

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The breakdown of the seized illicit drugs includes 106.978kg of Cannabis, 0.0589kg of methamphetamine, 0.0046kg of heroin, and other substances such as tramadol, diazepam, and co-codamol, totaling a substantial quantity of prohibited substances.

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Additional illicit drugs recovered during the same period comprise 0.243kg of Pentazocine inj, 0.550kg of phenobarbitone syrup, and 0.268kg of bromazepam, among others, indicating a wide range of substances being trafficked in the state.

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During the period under review, the command achieved convictions of six males, aged between 22 and 55 years, and also rehabilitated and discharged four clients, marking a positive outcome in the agency's efforts to combat drug abuse.

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State Commander Jude Ahamefule appealed for donations of vehicles from the government, philanthropists, and corporate bodies to enhance the command's patrol and surveillance capabilities across the state.

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A total of 44 suspects, aged between 19 and 65 years, were referred to the counseling unit and received counseling, while the command conducted eleven sensitization campaigns targeting schools, religious organizations, and communities statewide.

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These sensitization campaigns were part of the agency's broader strategy to combat drug abuse activities and promote awareness about the dangers of substance abuse, as stated by Commander Ahamefule.