The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, seized a total of four tonnes of illicit drugs in Adamawa State in the one-year spanning June 2024 to June 2025.

The state command of the NDLEA disclosed this on Wednesday, as it marked this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

NDLEA Commander in the state, Aliyu Abubakar, itemized the substances seized as Cannabis Sativa (marijuana), methamphetamine (popularly known as ice or mkpuru mmiri), Tramadol, and other controlled substances weighing over 3,989.6 kilograms.

He said a total of 583 suspects comprising 563 males and 20 females were arrested within the time in view

According to him also, the state command secured convictions of 225 drug offenders, with proceeds of crime amounting to N1,213,875 forfeited to the Federal Government.

In addition, six vehicles used for drug-related activities were confiscated and permanently forfeited to the government.

On the rehabilitation mandate of the NDLEA, Aliyu Abubakar said 53 drug-dependent individuals comprising 51 males and two females received treatment, with six cases of relapse recorded.

Speaking on preventive efforts, the Adamawa NDLEA Commander recalled that the agency’s collaboration with the Adamawa State Government led to establishment of Operation Farauta, a joint task force designed to flush out criminal elements linked to drug abuse.

He also spoke of challenges, including the rise of synthetic drugs like methamphetamine, dangerously altered cannabis products such as Arizona Loud (often laced with formaldehyde and glass particles), and widespread abuse of Tramadol, referred to by many as the poor man’s heroin.

“Health impacts have been alarming, with rising cases of psychosis, violence, and cardiovascular incidents linked to drug abuse,” he added.