By Joke Kujenya
GOVERNOR CALEB Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State and the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), have pledged to enhance cooperation to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Plateau State.
This renewed commitment was affirmed during a meeting on Thursday, August 15, 2024, when Governor Mutfwang visited Marwa at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja.
The governor expressed deep concern over the growing impact of substance abuse in Plateau State and emphasized the need for stronger collaboration to address this issue.
He acknowledged Marwa’s leadership in transforming the NDLEA since 2021, praising the agency’s intensified efforts against drug trafficking.
Marwa highlighted the agency’s significant achievements in Plateau State, revealing that over the past two years, NDLEA operatives seized 6,975.6 kilograms of illicit drugs, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis, and opioids.
These operations led to the arrest of 1,720 suspects and the conviction of 156 individuals, with numerous trials still in progress.
To further strengthen drug demand reduction initiatives, Marwa urged the Plateau State government to support the establishment of a rehabilitation center and activate drug control committees at various levels.
He also recommended implementing drug testing policies in schools, homes, and communities across the state.
Governor Mutfwang assured Marwa of Plateau State’s readiness to enhance cooperation with the NDLEA.
He reiterated the state’s commitment to tackling both the demand and supply sides of the drug problem, emphasizing the importance of continued information sharing and intelligence collaboration.
