C’River: NDLEA arrests 262 drug offenders in seven months, destroys cannabis farms

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By Ike Uchechukwu, Calabar

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Cross River State Command, says it arrested 262 suspected drug offenders between November 2025 and May 2026 as part of intensified efforts against narcotics distribution in the state.

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The State Commander, Anteyi John, disclosed this on Tuesday in Calabar during a briefing to mark the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

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He said the arrests comprised 207 males and 55 females.

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“The arrests form part of the Command’s intensified crackdown on narcotics distribution across the state,” John said.

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According to him, operatives also seized large quantities of illicit substances during the period, including cannabis, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and psychotropic substances.

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He listed the seizures as 6,397.59095kg of Cannabis Sativa, 1.465kg of cannabis seeds, 60.4g of cocaine, 20.17g of heroin, 778.64g of methamphetamine and 166.36673kg of psychotropic substances, bringing the total quantity seized to 6,575.009kg.

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John also revealed that the agency destroyed eight hectares of cannabis farms in Uyanga community, Akamkpa Local Government Area, on April 7 and April 25, 2026, as part of efforts to disrupt cultivation networks.

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He said the operations were aimed at “cutting off local supply chains and discouraging farmers from engaging in drug cultivation.”

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On prosecution, he stated that the command secured 28 convictions comprising 20 males and eight females, while 132 cases are pending before the High Court and 61 others have been charged.

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He added that the command’s counselling and rehabilitation unit successfully supported 138 persons, including 106 males and 32 females.

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Under its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, the agency carried out 99 sensitisation programmes across schools, communities and workplaces, reaching 156,556 people.

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“As we commemorate the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, let us renew our commitment to building a society where young people can thrive free from the influence of illicit drugs,” John said.

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He warned that drug abuse “destroys dreams, weakens families, fuels crime and undermines development.”

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In her remarks, the wife of the Governor and Chairperson of the Cross River State Drug Control Committee, Mrs. Eyoawan Bassey Otu, pledged to intensify advocacy against drug abuse and urged collective action to curb the menace.

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