The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 216 suspects and seized 6,008.9771 kilograms of illicit drugs in Cross River State between November 2025 and April 2026. Among those apprehended were 170 males and 46 females, with cannabis sativa making up the majority of the haul at over 5,800 kilograms. Additional substances recovered included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, ecstasy, psychotropic drugs, cannabis seeds and 16.2 litres of liquid narcotics. In a major eradication effort, the agency destroyed six hectares of cannabis farms, eliminating an estimated 15 tons of fresh cannabis valued at over 500 million naira, while also recovering 119 kilograms of processed cannabis from the sites. The NDLEA secured 21 convictions during the period, with 94 cases still pending and 24 new cases filed. One suspect was discharged and acquitted, while a fundamental human rights challenge against the agency's stop and search operations was dismissed in its favour. A prior High Court judgment supporting NDLEA actions was upheld by the Court of Appeal. On the preventive front, the agency conducted 87 sensitisation campaigns, reaching 153,983 people, and provided counselling and rehabilitation to 119 individuals. Fifty-four drug integrity tests were carried out, yielding 37 positive results. Despite progress, the command cited challenges such as inadequate funding, lack of operational vehicles, low public cooperation and limited community involvement. Improvements noted include facility upgrades, installation of recreational amenities for staff and increased community engagement, with more than four communities requesting intervention programmes. Collaboration with agencies such as the Nigerian Army 13 Brigade was also strengthened through joint operations. The NDLEA affirmed its commitment to intensifying efforts in the coming months.
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