The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 15.7 tonnes of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances seized in Kano State.
The NDLEA Chairman, Brig.-Gen. (RTD) Buba Marwa said the drugs were seized by the state command and Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Special Area Command, between Oct. 2020 and Oct. 2023.
Mr Buba Marwa who was represented by the NDLEA Director-General, Investigation, Mr Samuel Bashir-Gadzama, said during the public burning of the illicit drugs that the action was to prevent the drugs from going back into the society.
For His part, the State NDLEA Commander, Mr Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, said the 15,193.365 kg of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances destroyed comprised 9,824.098 kg of cannabis sativa and 1.8665 kg of cocaine.
He said others included 4,694.298 kg of psychotropic substances, 9 grams of methamphetamine, 10 kg of barbiturate, and 663 kg of expired drugs.
He added that a total of 528.511 kg of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances were seized from the Aminu Kano International Airport.
Mr Idris-Ahmad also commended the Kano State Government, judges, other sister security agencies, and non-governmental organizations for their unwavering commitment to the fight against the drug menace.
The commander also disclosed that the NDLEA has approved the establishment of Divisional Narcotic Offices in every local government area in Nigeria to enhance the war against drug trade and abuse.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir-Yusuf, who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Sheu Wada-Sagagi, commended the NDLEA and other security agencies in the fight against the drug menace in Kano State.
The Governor said the majority of illegal drug users in the state were teenagers and assured that the government was ready to contain the situation to make the state better.