The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced that it destroyed more than 51 hectares of cannabis sativa plantations and arrested 281 suspects involved in drug trafficking, peddling, and substance abuse across Ekiti State over the past year.
Speaking in Ado Ekiti during activities marking the 2026 World Drug Day, the Ekiti State Commander of the NDLEA, Rufus Aina, disclosed that the command also secured the conviction of 50 suspects, while several other cases are still pending before the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti.
Aina described the widespread cultivation of cannabis in several communities across the state as a major challenge, warning that drug abuse continues to fuel crime, insecurity, and public health problems. He also highlighted emerging threats such as synthetic drugs, the misuse of prescription medicines, and the use of digital platforms for drug trafficking.
According to the NDLEA commander, the agency recovered 6,337.517 kilograms of various illicit drugs during the period under review. The command also conducted 76 advocacy and public enlightenment campaigns, 15 radio and television sensitisation programmes, and successfully counselled 87 drug users as part of efforts to reduce substance abuse in the state.
Aina further revealed that the command secured a 20-year jail term for a convicted drug offender and arrested two octogenarians aged 78 and 80 for alleged involvement in drug-related offences
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