Bayelsa NDLEA’s Aggressive Drive: 27 Suspects Nabbed and 491.032 kgs of Illicit Substances Seized

Bayelsa–In a relentless pursuit to combat drug abuse, the Bayelsa State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made significant strides. Over the course of September and early October 2023, the command successfully apprehended 27 individuals suspected of engaging in illicit drug activities at various locations across the state.

Heading the operation, Matthew Ewah, the State Commander of NDLEA, revealed these accomplishments during a press briefing held at the command headquarters in Yenagoa, the state capital. The group of apprehended suspects consisted of 25 males and 2 females, signaling a diverse range of alleged drug offenders.

The NDLEA’s intensified efforts resulted in the seizure of a staggering 491.032 kilograms of illegal substances. The contraband included cannabis sativa (1.048 kg), methamphetamine (0.01 kg), cocaine (0.006 kg), tramadol (1,054 tablets, 0.03 kg), Swinol (109 tablets, 0.015 kg), Diazepam injection (four ampoules), Diazepam (636 tablets, 0.551 kg), and Codeine (4 1/2 bottles, 0.7 kg).

Commander Ewah also reported that the agency had recovered abandoned seizures, which comprised cannabis sativa (448.616 kg), tramadol (0.029 kg), Swinol (0.02 kg), and methamphetamine (0.007 kg). In a significant development, the operation uncovered 19 rounds of live ammunition of 9mm calibre, along with 125 rounds of live ammunition cartridges. Additionally, the NDLEA’s actions during these operations led to the apprehension of suspects linked to robbery and rape, who were subsequently handed over to the police for further investigation.

Among the notable incidents, Commander Ewah highlighted the seizure on September 27, 2023, of 432 kgs of cannabis sativa, which had been abandoned in a white Mercedes Benz J5 bus along SAIPEM Road Opolo, Yenagoa. In addition to the confiscation of the illicit substances, the vehicle was also secured for further investigative purposes. The Bayelsa NDLEA’s proactive approach continues to make strides in curbing the menace of drug abuse in the state.