NDLEA Seizes 9,488 kg of Illicit Drugs and Secures 71 Convictions in Plateau

According to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operating in Plateau, authorities seized 9,488.186 kg of illicit and controlled substances, apprehended 1,587 suspects, and secured 71 convictions during the period from July 2025 to June 2026.

The announcement was made by Mr Anthony Gotar, the Narcotics Commander of NDLEA in Plateau, on Thursday in Jos at the commemoration of the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Gotar noted that the seizures had substantially disrupted drug distribution networks and stopped harmful substances from reaching communities throughout the state.

He added that the command had arrested 1,587 suspects in accordance with the NDLEA Act and other applicable laws, and that 71 offenders were convicted and sentenced to varying jail terms by the courts.

He further stated that several other cases are pending before the Federal High Court and that the command remains committed to ensuring diligent prosecution of all offenders.

According to him, the command also admitted 114 drug‑dependent individuals into its mini‑rehabilitation centre, where they received treatment, counselling, and rehabilitation services designed to facilitate recovery and reintegration into society.

Gotar further said that 900 drug users were arrested at identified drug joints and black spots across the state, received brief counselling, and were then released to their families for monitoring and support.

He said the approach aligns with global best practices for addressing substance use disorders through a balanced public‑health response.

The commander added that, as part of efforts to reduce drug demand, the agency carried out 209 War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation programmes in schools, churches, mosques, markets, and communities across the state.

He added that, beyond drug seizures and arrests, the command recovered 486 rounds of 7.62 mm live ammunition, 12 rounds of 9 mm live ammunition, three locally fabricated pistols, and two pump‑action guns.

According to him, four suspects were arrested in connection with the recoveries and were subsequently transferred, together with the exhibits, to the appropriate security agencies for further investigation and necessary action.

Gotar reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to strengthening intelligence‑driven operations against drug traffickers and criminal networks, expanding community‑based prevention and awareness programmes, and enhancing the use of technology, research, and data‑driven strategies to combat drug‑related crimes.