The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Oyo State reported the arrest of 546 individuals linked to drug-related offenses between January and December 2024.
The announcement was made by the NDLEA State Commander, Mr. Olayinka Joe-Fadile, during a press briefing held on Thursday in Ibadan, the state capital.
“The suspects arrested comprised 449 males and 97 females, aged between 12 and 80 years,” Joe-Fadile revealed, as he outlined the command’s achievements over the past year.
He explained that the arrests were tied to the possession and trafficking of various narcotics, including cannabis sativa, tramadol, cocaine, pentazocine injections, and cannabis-laced cakes.
Out of the 66 cases taken to court, Joe-Fadile confirmed 46 convictions. The command also seized a total of 10,444.538kg of cannabis sativa and other psychotropic substances within the year.
Additionally, he highlighted efforts to curtail cultivation, stating, “The command destroyed 1.420093 hectares of cannabis sativa farmland in Iyalode and Ogunmakin villages in Akinyele Local Government Area, amounting to a total of 3,550.2kg of cannabis destroyed.”
Joe-Fadile also disclosed the recovery of weapons, which included a pistol with two magazines, a locally fabricated single-barrel gun, and 20 live cartridges.
In addition to enforcement actions, the NDLEA made progress in rehabilitation and counseling.
“The command rehabilitated 18 individuals who were reintegrated into society and counselled 144 persons during the year,” the commander noted.
Joe-Fadile emphasized the agency’s ongoing commitment to public sensitization campaigns aimed at discouraging illicit drug trafficking and fostering a drug-free Oyo State.
He concluded by appreciating residents for their support and urging sustained cooperation to ensure a safer and crime-free environment.
