NDLEA arrests 73 suspected drug offenders, seizes large quantities of illicit substances in Kano

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Strategic Command, has intensified its fight against drug trafficking and abuse with the arrest of 73 suspected drug offenders during a major operation across Kano metropolis.

According to the agency, the suspects were apprehended during a one-day intelligence-driven raid targeting identified drug hotspots and dens within the city. The operation also led to the recovery of significant quantities of various illicit substances believed to be intended for distribution and consumption.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics and Public Relations Officer of the Kano Strategic Command, Sadiq Maigatari, disclosed that the exercise formed part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to dismantle drug networks and curb the growing menace of substance abuse in the state.

According to the statement, the raids were carried out at Filin Mahaha drug den, Sani Abacha Youth Centre, and Sheka area, all located in the Kano metropolis.

“In a one-day, coordinated intelligence-led operation conducted under ‘Operation Sharar Mafaka,’ officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Kano Strategic Command, raided the notorious Filin Mahaha drug den, the Sani Abacha Youth Centre and locations in the Sheka area, arresting 73 suspects and recovering a variety of illicit substances,” the statement said.

It said items recovered during the raids included Cannabis sativa, Diazepam, Pregabalin, Exol-5, a substance locally known as “suck and die,” and other paraphernalia associated with illicit drug distribution and use.

“This operation is a continuation of ‘Operation Sharar Mafaka,’ the command’s ongoing operation to identify, dislodge and dismantle notorious drug joints across the state,” it said.

The statement added, “The sustained use of dislodge-and-occupy tactics is intended to disrupt the pattern of activity at these locations and deny drug traffickers safe havens to operate.”

“We will continue to dislodge and occupy these drug joints in line with the direction of our Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, until there is no safe place left for illicit drug activities,” the statement added.

The operation demonstrates the command’s commitment to safeguarding communities and disrupting the networks that fuel substance abuse and crime in the state.

The agency called on members of the public to continue providing timely and actionable information that can support further crackdown efforts.