Locally manufactured weapons and other items allegedly linked to illicit drug activities were also recovered, he said.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has arrested 80 suspects and dislodged 16 notorious drug joints across Kano State within the first seven days of its “Operation Restore Order” campaign.
The operation, which began on 10 August, is being conducted under a “dislodge-and-occupy” strategy aimed at disrupting drug trafficking and abuse and reclaiming communities affected by illicit drug activities.
The NDLEA Commander, Kano Strategic Command, CN DY Lawal, said the operation followed a directive from the agency’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig-Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.).
The Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Kano Strategic Command, CN DY Lawal
According to him, NDLEA operatives raided locations identified as major hubs for drug trafficking and abuse between 10 and 16 August.
The targeted areas included Filin Mahaha, Koki, Dorayi, Rijiyar Lemo, Charanchi, Kasuwar Kurmi, Zage, Gwammaja, Sauna, Wambai, Yan Ayaba, Indabawa, Bela Village, Farm Centre, Masaka and Panshekara.
Mr Lawal said operatives recovered various illicit substances and drug-related materials, including cannabis, Diazepam, Exol-5, rubber solution, locally known as “Suck and Die”, as well as other narcotics, cutting agents and packaging materials.
Locally manufactured weapons and other items allegedly linked to illicit drug activities were also recovered, he said.
«“This operation is intelligence-led and resolute. The directive from our Chairman and CEO is clear: we must restore order and protect our communities,” Mr Lawal said.»
He warned people still involved in drug trafficking and abuse to desist, saying the command would continue its operations across the state.
Mr Lawal said the 80 suspects arrested would be processed and prosecuted in accordance with the law, while investigations would continue to uncover and dismantle wider drug trafficking networks.
He added that the operation would be sustained and expanded based on intelligence, with NDLEA personnel maintaining a presence in dislodged locations to prevent traffickers from returning.
The commander also urged residents to support the campaign by providing the agency with timely and credible information.
He said cooperation between communities and law enforcement agencies remained essential to sustaining the gains of the operation and bringing major drug offenders to justice.
