By Emelayo Nwosu
In a major demonstration of the seriousness with which it is prosecuting the fight against narcotics and illicit drugs, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Imo State Command, on Saturday, destroyed about 26 tons of confiscated illicit drugs in the state.
The exercise, which was attended by senior government officials and heads of security agencies, took place at a designated site near Avu, Owerri West Local Government of Imo State.
In a statement made available to Anchor Reporters, Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodinma on Narcotics and Illicit Drug Monitoring, Chief Ezechukwu Obonna, said the exercise was the first time such quantity of seized narcotics and psychotropic substances has been destroyed since the NDLEA commenced operations in Imo State.
“It serves as an unmistakable declaration that Imo State, under the 3R Administration of His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, will never serve as a sanctuary for drug lords, traffickers, and dealers in death,” Chief Obonna said in the statement.
According to him, the incineration of the drugs was preceded by a forensic verification of the exhibits, which was conducted by the Director, Forensic and Chemical Monitoring, Mrs. Maureen Afolabi, to authenticate the nature and content of the substances.
Chief Obonna listed the verified exhibits as Cocaine, Heroin, Crystal Methamphetamine, Cannabis Sativa, Codeine-based syrups and other psychotropic substances.
Describing the exercise as historic, the Special Adviser said that its scale, the precedence it set in the war against drug in the state and the fact that it serves as deterrence to all connected to the use and trade in narcotics and illicit drugs point to the state’s commitment to the eradication of the scourge.
“At over 26 tons, this is the single largest destruction of illicit drugs ever carried out in Imo State. It underscores the intensity of the offensive against drug cartels operating within and around the state.
“It marks the first public destruction since NDLEA began operations in Imo State. This ends the era of impunity and sends a clear signal that seized narcotics will not find their way back into circulation.
“The public nature of the exercise serves as a warning to traffickers, dealers, and their collaborators. Imo State is not open for business to drug criminals, and those who profit from destroying our youth will face the full force of the law.”
Chief Obonna said that in his remarks at the event, Gov. Uzodinma, represented by the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support in advancing the safety and security of Imo State.
He said the governor emphasized that the destruction of the exhibits represented a triumph for the people of Imo and a stern warning to criminal elements that the state will not condone any act that threatens public health and security.
While assuring the NDLEA Imo State Command of the continued commitment of the state government, he promised to provide the necessary environment and support for effective discharge of the agency’s mandate.
Chief Obonna said that the Commander, NDLEA, Imo State, Mr. Alex Nyigide highlighted the operational breakthroughs that resulted in the seizures, restating the Command’s commitment to dismantling drug syndicates in the state.
He added that Nyigide expressed appreciation to partner agencies for their cooperation.
Special Adviser on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring, Imo State, Chief Obonna also spoke, underscoring the 3R Government’s zero-tolerance stance on drug abuse and trafficking, and reaffirming the state’s commitment to supporting NDLEA operations, prevention, and rehabilitation initiatives.
He recommended sustained Intelligence-Led Operations, continuous targeting of drug supply networks and kingpins, not only street-level dealers.
Chief Obonna also called for enhanced Interagency Collaboration, deepening synergy between NDLEA, Customs, DSS, Army, Police, and the judiciary for effective prosecution and asset seizure.
Among other recommendations he made were investment in prevention and rehabilitation, expanding community-based sensitization and establishing functional rehabilitation centres for victims of substance abuse.
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