The Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Delta State Command, for intercepting two buses conveying illicit drugs along the Asaba–Onitsha Expressway.
The interception, which occurred on January 15, was described by the state government as a major breakthrough that has dealt a significant blow to drug trafficking networks operating along the busy corridor.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Director-General of the Bureau, Barrister Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, reaffirmed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s unwavering commitment to the Drug-Free Delta campaign, being pursued in collaboration with the NDLEA. He urged the agency to ensure diligent investigation and prosecution of the suspects arrested in connection with the seizure.
The suspects were identified as Zaharadeen Yahaya, 25, and Sanusi Maman, 23.
Items recovered during the operation include over 410,800 pills of tramadol, 84.2 litres of codeine syrup, 82,250 tablets of diazepam, 900 tablets of swinol, and 65 pills of molly, with an estimated street value of about ₦300 million.
The state government also praised the Delta State NDLEA Commander, Mr. Halilu Hamidu, and his officers for what it described as a well-coordinated, intelligence-led operation. It called for sustained efforts to curb drug trafficking, illegal retailing, and street hawking of narcotics across the state.
Oghenesivbe noted that drug abuse remains a major driver of crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, and other social vices, stressing that the fight against drug abuse is a collective responsibility. He emphasized the need for strong parental guidance and the promotion of positive moral values to safeguard youths and communities in the state.