By Daily Review Online
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Plateau State has uncovered a troubling connection between illicit drugs and violent crime, recovering firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition during a year-long crackdown that also led to the seizure of nearly 9.5 tonnes of narcotics.
The Commander of Narcotics in Plateau State, Anthony Gotar, disclosed on Thursday that the command seized 9,488.186 kilogrammes of illicit and controlled substances between July 2025 and June 2026, arrested 1,587 suspects and secured 71 convictions.
Speaking during activities marking the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Jos, Gotar said the operation significantly disrupted drug supply networks across the state.
Beyond drug-related arrests and seizures, the command recovered 486 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm ammunition, three locally made pistols and two pump-action guns. Four suspects linked to the weapons were arrested and handed over to relevant security agencies for further investigation.
In a move reflecting a public-health approach to drug abuse, Gotar revealed that 900 drug users arrested at notorious drug joints and black spots were not prosecuted. Instead, they received counselling and were released to their families for monitoring and support.
The command also admitted 114 drug-dependent persons into its rehabilitation facility, where they underwent treatment and counselling aimed at helping them recover and reintegrate into society.
According to Gotar, the agency intensified preventive efforts by organising 209 sensitisation programmes under its War Against Drug Abuse campaign in schools, markets, places of worship and communities across Plateau State.
He said the command would continue to strengthen intelligence-led operations against drug traffickers while expanding rehabilitation, community engagement and technology-driven strategies to tackle drug-related crimes.