Troops, NDLEA Arrest 7 Suspected Drug Peddlers in Abuja, Katsina
Troops of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking and the supply of illicit substances to criminal networks, leading to the arrest of seven suspected drug peddlers in separate operations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Katsina State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that in the first operation, troops of the 176 Guards Battalion intercepted a suspected drug trafficker transporting a large quantity of cannabis sativa along the Lokoja–Abuja highway.
The operation, which was reported belatedly, took place at about 9:50 p.m. on June 23 at the Quick Response Group (QRG) checkpoint in Abaji Area Council of the FCT.
According to the sources, the suspect was apprehended while conveying six sacks of cannabis sativa weighing a total of 65.3 kilograms.
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Following preliminary profiling, the suspect and the recovered illicit substance were handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and possible prosecution.
In a related development, troops of the 17 Brigade, working jointly with NDLEA operatives, arrested six suspected drug peddlers during a raid conducted at about 1:00 p.m. on June 24 in Rugoji Village, Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources said the joint team recovered 4.0 grams of a substance suspected to be cannabis sativa and 3.5 grams of tramadol from the suspects.
The sources further disclosed that the suspects are believed to be involved in supplying hard drugs and other illicit substances to terrorists and criminal elements operating within Kafur and neighbouring communities.
The six suspects, along with the recovered exhibits, have also been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and prosecution.
The operations form part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to disrupt drug trafficking networks, curb the circulation of illicit substances and deny criminal groups access to narcotics that fuel insecurity across the country.
By PRNigeria
