National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said its operatives arrested a total of 242 suspected drug offenders between January and June 2026 in Rivers State.
NDLEA state commander, Offor Kenneth Onyeso, disclosed this in Port Harcourt while addressing journalists on the commemoration of the 2026 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Onyeso said the agency also secured 61 convictions and seized 146.181 kilogrammes of illicit substances in the same period.
He said the command also counselled and released 69 drug users, rehabilitated 23 others at the NDLEA Rehabilitation Centre, while 82 drug-related cases are currently pending before the Federal High Court.
The NDLEA state commander identified poverty and family instability as some of the major drivers of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the state.
Onyeso explained that the NDLEA’s strategy is anchored on two major approaches, supply reduction and demand reduction, adding that the agency has also intensified sensitisation campaigns in schools, markets and other public places to educate residents on the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.
While acknowledging the challenges confronting the agency, the commander said the greatest obstacle to the fight against illicit drugs remains the reluctance of members of the public to provide useful intelligence.
