(NDLEA. Photo Credit: NDLEA)
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has revealed that it destroyed more than 51 hectares of cannabis sativa plantations and arrested 281 suspects involved in illicit drug tr@fficking, peddling, and abuse across Ekiti State over the past year.
The Ekiti State Commander of the agency, Rufus Aina, made this known on Thursday in Ado Ekiti during activities marking the 2026 World Drug Day, which is celebrated annually on June 26. The theme for this year’s edition is “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”
Aina disclosed that the command also secured the conviction of 50 suspects, while other cases remain pending before the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti.
He described the large-scale cultivation of cannabis across several communities in the state as a major challenge, warning that its illegal production, tr@fficking, and usage carry far-reaching consequences including criminality, insecurity, school dropouts, substance dependence, and the destruction of livelihoods, forest reserves, and communities.
The commander also flagged emerging threats such as synthetic drugs, prescription medicine abuse, and the use of digital platforms for drug tr@fficking, stressing that addressing these challenges requires a collective and innovative response beyond law enforcement alone.
“Drug abuse still remains a major public health and security concern. It destroys lives, weakens families, fuels crime, and undermines national development,” he said.
Aina noted that over the past year, the command conducted 76 advocacy rallies and enlightenment campaigns, 15 radio and television campaigns, and successfully counselled 87 drug users.
The command also recovered illicit substances with a total weight of 6,337.517 kilograms.
Highlighting a major conviction, he said the command secured a 20-year jail term for one Osho Akindele, who was arrested in possession of various illicit substances.
He also revealed that two elderly individuals had been arrested a 78-year-old man, Ogunjobi Samuel from Ilupeju-Ekiti, and an 80-year-old man, Oke Samuel from Efon-Alaaye-Ekiti both for possession and dealings in illicit substances.
Aina commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for supporting the agency’s anti-drug campaign and praised the governor’s wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, for her contributions to advocacy and community sensitisation.
He also expressed appreciation to sister security agencies, non-governmental organisations, the Drug Free Community Development Service of the National Youth Service Corps, students, and the Kayode Adamolekun Foundation for their support.
He called on residents to renew their collective resolve in confronting drug-related challenges and adopting innovative responses to ensure a safer and healthier future for all.