The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Abia State has seized about 1.94 million kilogrammes of illegal drugs within the past year.
The agency also arrested 222 suspects in connection with drug-related crimes across the state.
Acting Commander of NDLEA Abia, Mr. Chigbu Odoemelam Chilee, gave the update during a press briefing in Aba. The briefing was part of activities marking the 2025 United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse, which will be observed on June 26.
He said drug abuse remains a serious problem in Abia, especially in Aba and Umuahia.
“The problem of illicit drugs in Abia cannot be overemphasized,” Chilee said. “The number of arrests, seizures, and those coming for rehabilitation prove this.”
Methamphetamine Worst in Abia, Says NDLEA
Chilee disclosed that NDLEA recovered different types of hard drugs during operations, including cannabis, cocaine, heroin, diazepam, codeine, and methamphetamine.
“For the past one year, we have seized one million and ninety-four kilograms of illicit drugs,” he said.
He noted that methamphetamine, locally called mkpurummiri, is the most abused drug in Abia.
“We also arrested two hundred and twenty-two suspects in one year here,” he added.
The commander said NDLEA fights drug abuse in two ways — cutting supply and reducing demand. He explained that while supply reduction involves arrest and seizure, demand reduction includes public sensitisation and rehabilitation.
Rehabilitation Centre in Umuahia Underway
Chilee revealed that the only existing NDLEA rehabilitation centre in Abia is located in Aba.
However, a new one is under construction in Umuahia. He credited the state governor for this.
“Governor Alex Otti has made provision for another centre in Umuahia, which may be ready in a few months,” he said.
He said the Aba centre has earned recognition for its efficiency and capacity to manage a high number of clients.
NDLEA Extends Operations to Rural Areas
The acting commander described Aba and Umuahia as major drug hotspots in Abia State.
But he assured that the agency is active in all 17 local government areas.
“NDLEA Abia has area commands that also cover rural parts of the state,” he said.
He promised that the command would not slow down its efforts to stop drug sales and abuse in any part of Abia.
“We are leaving no stone unturned in combating the use and sale of illicit drugs in the state,” he said.
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