NDLEA arrests 14 suspected drug dealers in Ekiti
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has detained 14 individuals suspected of illegal drug dealing and usage in the Atikankan vicinity of Ado Ekiti, the state capital.
Sunday Aina, the NDLEA Ekiti State Commander, revealed that among the suspects, three were identified as illegal drug dealers, apprehended during a weeklong operation dubbed ‘Operation Clean Up Atikankan
Aina emphasized that the agency has apprehended over 50 suspects in the past month alone.
Speaking in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday while parading the 14 suspects, he reiterated the agency’s dedication to restoring order to Atikankan and other drug-prone areas throughout the state, with the ultimate goal of eradicating drug use in Ekiti and its surrounding areas
He said, “On assumption of duty in Ekiti State last month, one of my concerns was the dreaded place called Atikankan in Ado Ekiti. I promised to make the place my starting point, hence, we declared a weeklong continuous operation tagged ‘Operation Clean Up Atikankan
It was a successful operation. The outcome is what we are seeing; 14 suspects arrested and they are here. The operation is not targeted at users alone, we have three dealers among them that we are still investigating their cases. If there is no demand, there will be no supply.
“This operation has equally unveiled seven dealers supplying drugs to that place. They are on our watchlist. We are building our intelligence on them. Hunting for them has already started and by the grace of God, we will get them
The commander further stated that Cannabis Sativa (Indian Hemp) and methamphetamine (ice) were recovered from the suspects, emphasising, “We will not tolerate this. We have zero tolerance for drug abuse and trafficking, and we will fight it relentlessly.”
Aina stated that those found to be drug users among the suspects would undergo continuous counselling for two months, while the legal unit would handle necessary arrangements for the illegal drug dealers
