Chinedum Treasure
Over hard drugs worth ₦50million have been destroyed by Special Anti-Touting Squad Agency (SASA) in Awka and its surrounding communities in Anambra state.
The drugs were destroyed by the state owned security agency during a major crackdown on drug trafficking and criminal activities in the State.
Agency’s spokesperson, Karen James described the operation as one of the Agency’s most significant anti-drug raids in recent times, saying it led to arrest of several suspected notorious drug dealers and buyers.
She said the suspects were apprehended while allegedly engaging in the sale and purchase of the illicit substances.
She added that the suspects, along with the recovered exhibits, were subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
She said, “The raid targeted several locations allegedly being used as distribution points for illicit drugs.
“During the operation, operatives recovered a large quantity of dangerous substances from the suspects’ hideouts, including the locally known “Mkpurummiri”, cocaine, cannabis (weed), loud, and other prohibited narcotics.
“The seized drugs, with an estimated street value of ₦50 million, were confiscated before being publicly destroyed by fire to ensure they would not find their way back into circulation.”
SASA further disclosed that after preliminary investigations, the suspects were arraigned before a competent court and remanded in a correctional facility pending the continuation of legal proceedings.
Speaking during the destruction of the seized drugs, Managing Director of SASA, Monday Nwokoye, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to eliminating drug abuse, touting and other criminal activities across the State.
He appealed to residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would aid in the fight against crime, saying, “when you see something, say something.”
Nwokoye also appreciated Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his continuous support in strengthening security across the state.
He described the Governor’s vision of eradicating touting and restoring public order as transformational agenda already producing positive results.
The SASA boss assured residents that the agency would not relent in its efforts until criminal activities associated with drug abuse and touting are drastically reduced across the state.
While warning individuals involved in the production, distribution, sale, or consumption of hard drugs to desist from such acts, Nwokoye said SASA would continue to track down offenders regardless of their location.
“The abuse and trafficking of hard drugs remain major drivers of touting, theft, violent crimes, and other forms of social disorder.
“The destruction of the seized narcotics is a deliberate measure aimed at protecting society and preventing the illegal substances from re-entering the market,” he added.
Nwokoye reaffirmed Agency’s commitment to working closely with government, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security agencies to build safer, healthier and crime-free society for residents of the state.
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