NDLEA Arrests 546 Suspects, Secures 46 Convictions in Oyo State
The Oyo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested 546 individuals for alleged involvement in illicit drug activities between January and December 2024. Commander Olayinka Joe-Fadile disclosed this during a press briefing in Ibadan on Thursday, highlighting the Command’s achievements over the year. Among those arrested were 449 males and 97 females, aged between 12 and 80 years. The suspects were allegedly involved in possession and trafficking of narcotics, including cannabis sativa, tramadol, cocaine, pentazocine injections, and cannabis-infused cakes. Joe-Fadile stated that 66 cases were prosecuted, leading to 46 convictions. Additionally, the Command seized a total of 10,444.538 kilograms of cannabis and other psychotropic substances. The agency also destroyed 1.42 hectares of cannabis farmland in Akinyele Local Government Area, resulting in the destruction of 3,550.2 kilograms of cannabis. Other recoveries included a pistol with two magazines, a locally fabricated single-barrel gun, 20 live cartridges, and additional ammunition. The Command rehabilitated 18 individuals and provided counseling to 144 others during the year. Joe-Fadile reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to public awareness campaigns to combat drug trafficking and ensure a drug-free Oyo State. He expressed gratitude to residents for their support and called for continued cooperation to enhance the state’s security and reduce crime.
