World Drug Day: Abia NDLEA Records 95 Convictions, Intensifies Anti-Drug Campaign

The Abia State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded 95 convictions from 104 drug-related cases filed within the past year, as it adopts innovative and technology-driven strategies to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

The State Commander, Chigbu O. Chilee, disclosed this during a press briefing in Aba ahead of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day), observed annually on June 26.

Speaking on this year’s theme, “World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses,” Chilee said the evolving nature of drug crimes requires modern, intelligence-led approaches to effectively tackle emerging threats such as synthetic drugs, sophisticated trafficking networks and digital drug markets.

According to him, the command has strengthened its operations with support from the NDLEA Headquarters and the Abia State Government, combining enforcement with preventive measures through its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.

He explained that the agency has restructured its drug demand reduction programme into two directorates—Counselling, Treatment and Rehabilitation (CTR), and Prevention and Sensitisation (PS)—to address both the supply and demand aspects of drug abuse.

“We cannot win this war through arrests alone. Every week, we sensitise between three and four schools across Abia State. If we reduce the number of young people getting involved in drugs, we will win the war,” Chilee said.

Reviewing the command’s activities between June 26, 2025, and June 26, 2026, the commander disclosed that 429 suspects, comprising 355 males and 74 females, were arrested during the period.

He said the command also seized 2,078 kilograms of illicit substances, including cocaine, heroin, cannabis sativa, methamphetamine (popularly known as mkpuru mmiri), tramadol and other psychotropic drugs.

Among the major breakthroughs recorded was the dismantling of an illegal codeine syrup production facility at Umuokapara, Arungwa, on December 11, 2025, where 9,915 bottles of illegally produced codeine syrup weighing about 1.15 tonnes were recovered.

Chilee further disclosed that two elderly suspects are currently in custody for alleged drug-related offences. One of them, a 75-year-old man, was arrested in Umuahia with 4.6 kilograms of assorted psychotropic substances, while an 84-year-old suspect was apprehended after allegedly supplying cannabis to a 15-year-old secondary school student.

He said the minor was enrolled in counselling and rehabilitation instead of prosecution, while the elderly suspect remains in custody awaiting trial.

The commander attributed the command’s high conviction rate to its intelligence-led approach, noting that thorough investigations are conducted before suspects are charged to court.

On rehabilitation, Chilee disclosed that 166 clients received counselling and treatment during the period under review, with 120 successfully completing rehabilitation programmes, while 48 others are currently undergoing treatment.

He also announced that the command received commendation awards for excellence in rehabilitation and counselling, while its Public Relations Officer, Ikechukwu Akunne, was honoured with a merit award for outstanding service.

The NDLEA boss commended Governor Alex Otti for supporting the command with operational logistics, including the donation of two Toyota Hilux vehicles, a Toyota Sienna, an Innoson vehicle and the allocation of over 8,000 square metres of land in Umuahia for the construction of a permanent state headquarters.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to reducing both the supply and demand of illicit drugs through effective enforcement, rehabilitation, public enlightenment and strategic partnerships.

By Chinedu Kelechi, Aba

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