The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Cross River State Command, has confirmed the arrest of no fewer than 262 assorted drug suspects in Cross River State.
The state commander, John Anteyi, told the interview that they were arrested between January and June and the figure included 207 males and 55 females.
Out of this figure 28 drug related convictions have been secured and 61 cases filed in court,” he said.
Currently, 132 cases are pending at different stages before the state high court, he said.
Anteyi said the arrests were made following the seizure of 6,575 drug consignments within the same period.
He broke down these seizures to include cannabis sativa 6.398kg, cannabis sativa seeds 1.47kg, cocaine 60.4g, heroin 20.2g, methamphetamine 778.6g and psychotropic substances 166.4kg.
He said the command also destroyed 14 hectares of cannabis farms in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.
He was worried about the high rate of drug abuse among the youth and its impact on public safety and national development.
Drug abuse has become a growing concern across educational institutions, urban centres, rural communities and amongst vulnerable groups, he said.
Mr Anteyi said the command was still committed to the war against drug abuse in the state.
