The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Delta State Command, has seized illicit drugs worth more than N2 billion, secured 248 convictions and destroyed 36.2 hectares of cannabis farms in the state between July 2025 and September 2026.
The state Commander, NDLEA, Halilu Hamidu, PhD, disclosed this yesterday during a press briefing in Asaba to mark his first year in office.
Hamidu said the command’s operations focused on disrupting illicit drug supply networks while intensifying preventive measures against drug abuse, particularly among youths.
He said operatives seized 2.446 tonnes of solid drug exhibits, including 1.38 tonnes of Cannabis Sativa, 666.295kg of Tramadol and 81.023kg of cannabis seeds.
Other substances recovered, according to him, included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, Molly, Diazepam/Bromazepam, Exol, Cocodamol and Nitrous Oxide.
Hamidu said the command also seized 1,304.63 litres of liquid drug exhibits, including 819.327 litres of Codeine, Pentazocine, Tramadol injection and other substances.
He said a raid on a warehouse at Oko Market, Asaba, led to the recovery of illicit substances valued at more than N150 million.
He added that operatives intercepted two trucks conveying illicit drugs along the Benin-Asaba Expressway.
He said a truck was intercepted at Issele-Uku loaded with Codeine valued at about N150 million, while another intercepted at Agbor contained psychotropic substances worth about N100 million.
He stated: ‘Two commercial buses intercepted along the Onitsha-Asaba Expressway were also found to be carrying psychotropic substances estimated at more than N300 million.
‘On cannabis cultivation, the command destroyed 10.2 hectares of cannabis farmland at Emu-Obiogo in Ndokwa West Local Government Area in August 2025.’
He said another 11 hectares were destroyed at Obiaruku in Ukwani LGA in May 2026, while 15 hectares were destroyed at Orogun in Ughelli North LGA.
According to him, the operations were designed to prevent Delta from becoming a route, storage point or cultivation centre for illicit drugs.
On prosecution, Hamidu said 248 drug-related convictions were secured during the period under review, while 223 cases remained pending before various courts.
He assured that the command would continue to work with the judiciary and other relevant authorities to strengthen the investigation and prosecution of drug-related offences.
Hamidu, however, stressed that enforcement alone could not solve the drug problem, noting that the command had intensified sensitisation, counselling and preventive programmes.
He said 693 persons, comprising 463 males and 230 females, were counselled during the period, while the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign recorded activities in 181 locations across the state.
He said the command, in collaboration with the State Drug Control Committee and the Delta State Communication and Orientation Bureau, had also expanded drug-prevention education through WADA Clubs in secondary schools.
The programmes, he said, had been extended to NYSC orientation camps, tertiary institutions, religious organisations, workplaces and communities.
Hamidu commended the Delta State Government for its support in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, as well as the Armed Forces and sister security agencies, particularly Operation Delta Sweep, for strengthening intelligence sharing and coordinated operations.
He also acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers, religious leaders, schools, youth organisations, NGOs, community leaders and media partners.
The commander singled out the Asagba of Asaba, the Oreje of Okpe Kingdom and the Dein of Agbor for their support, saying the Asagba of Asaba had played a significant role in facilitating a rehabilitation facility in Asaba, which would soon become operational.
Hamidu said the command would sustain its dual approach of disrupting drug supply networks and reducing demand through counselling, rehabilitation and public education.
He said the strategy aligned with the Delta State Government’s M.O.R.E Agenda, particularly its focus on development, peace, security and prosperity.
He also commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), for providing strategic leadership to the agency’s nationwide campaign against drug abuse and trafficking.
Hamidu called for sustained support from government, security agencies, the media and the public, saying the fight against illicit drugs required collective action.
‘Every life saved from drug abuse is a family kept together, a future protected and a community made stronger,’ he said.
He urged Deltans to support the NDLEA through education, enforcement, collaboration and compassion in building a safer and healthier state.