The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Saturday publicly destroyed 25,807.192 kilograms of illicit drugs in Imo State, marking the first time such an exercise has been conducted in Owerri.
The destroyed narcotics included 2,319 litres of codeine-based cough syrup and 24,945.302 kilograms of cannabis sativa. Other substances destroyed were 29.65 kilograms of methamphetamine, 3.169 kilograms of cocaine, 1.378 kilograms of heroin, and 827.702 kilograms of various psychotropic substances.
Speaking during the exercise, NDLEA Chairman, Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (Rtd), represented by the agency’s Director of Operations and General Investigation, Ahmed Ningi, described the destruction as a demonstration of transparency and accountability to Nigerians.
He said the public disposal of the seized drugs was intended to reassure citizens that illicit substances confiscated by the agency never find their way back into circulation.
“This exercise is a statement of accountability to the Nigerian public and a way of assuring citizens that drugs seized by the Agency never find their way back to the streets through any back door.
“They are not recycled, not resold, not lost in transit. They are destroyed openly, irreversibly and in full view of the public we serve,” he said.
Warning to Drug Traffickers
Buba Marwa reiterated the agency’s commitment to intensifying the war against drug trafficking and abuse across the country.
According to him, the NDLEA will continue to track down traffickers, dismantle criminal cartels and disrupt drug supply networks wherever they operate.
“We specifically warn those who profit from the misery of others through illicit drug trafficking to desist forthwith.
“We will find you, arrest you, prosecute you and destroy your ill-gotten exhibits in the full glare of the public, just as we are doing here today,” he said.
The NDLEA Commander in Imo State, Mr. Chinonye Nnyigide, said the destroyed drugs were recovered through intelligence-driven operations carried out by officers and men of the command.
He attributed the seizures to sustained raids, arrests and strategic enforcement activities conducted in collaboration with other security agencies.
“These substances have passed through the necessary legal and administrative processes in accordance with established procedures and applicable laws,” he stated.
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The Imo State Government commended the NDLEA for its efforts in combating drug trafficking and abuse.
Governor Hope Uzodinma, represented by his deputy, Mrs. Chinyere Ekomaru, described the public destruction of the narcotics as clear evidence of the government’s commitment to protecting lives and safeguarding communities from the dangers of illicit drugs.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring, Chief Ezechukwu Obonna, praised the agency’s personnel for their relentless fight against drug abuse.
He described the exercise as proof of the state’s zero-tolerance stance on drug trafficking and substance abuse.
“This event is a clear testimony that the state has zero tolerance for drug trafficking and drug abuse.
“We should all rise to fight this problem, and my office remains committed to a drug-free society,” Obonna said.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.