NDLEA destroys 25,000kg of illicit drugs in Imo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed a total of 25,807.192 kilogrammes of illicit drugs in Imo state.

The destruction exercise, held in Owerri on Saturday, marked the first time such a large-scale public disposal of seized drugs was carried out in the state.

Speaking at the event, Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Buba-Marwa (retd), the NDLEA chairman said the destroyed substances included 2,319 litres of codeine-based syrup, 24,945.302kg of cannabis sativa, 29.65kg of methamphetamine, 3.169kg of cocaine, 1.378kg of heroin, and 827.702kg of other psychotropic substances.

Marwa, who was represented by Ahmed Ningi, the agency’s director of operations and general investigation described the exercise as a demonstration of transparency and accountability to the public.

He stressed that the destruction of seized narcotics ensures that confiscated drugs do not re-enter circulation through illegal channels.

“These substances are not recycled, not resold, and not lost in transit. They are destroyed openly, irreversibly, and in full view of the public we serve,” he said.

According to him, the agency will continue to intensify operations against drug traffickers, dismantle criminal networks, and disrupt supply chains fueling drug abuse across the country.

He also issued a strong warning to drug cartels, insisting that offenders will be tracked, arrested, and prosecuted.

Officials of the NDLEA in Imo State said the drugs were recovered through intelligence-led operations, raids, and coordinated enforcement activities carried out with support from sister security agencies.

They confirmed that the substances were processed in line with legal and administrative procedures before being publicly destroyed.

Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo state represented by Chinyere Ekomaru, his deputy commended the NDLEA for its sustained fight against drug trafficking, describing the exercise as evidence of government commitment to safeguarding public health and safety.

The state government also reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on drug abuse and illicit trafficking, urging stronger collective action to address the challenge.