The Bayelsa State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has marked the 2013 International Day Against Illicit Drugs Abuse on Monday in Yenagoa.
The command used the opportunity offered by the celebrations to give a scorecard of its achievements so far in its war against illicit drugs abuse in the state.
Frank Hanachor, the state commander, stated while briefing the press that apart from the fanfare, it was also a moment for stocktaking of what the agency has been doing in the state.
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Hanachor disclosed that the command made a total of 132 arrests made of 106 males and 26 females during the first half of this year from January to June.
He stated that the agency recovered a total of 66.394 kilogrammes of suspected illicit drugs from the suspects made up of 39 grammes of heroin, 366.6 grammes of psychotropic substances and 65.989 grammes of cannabis sativa.
Hanachor disclosed that the agency has also embarked on public enlightenment, drug education in schools and counseling on the dangers of drug addiction and trafficking.
He, however, lambasted some state ministries including the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Women Affairs for their uncooperative attitude which has hindered efforts at curtailing drug abuse among school children.
