The Kano Strategic Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has dismantled several drug joints across the state and arrested 56 suspects during a three-day operation.
The command’s spokesperson, Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari, made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday in Kano.
Muhammad-Maigatari quoted the state commander of the agency, Dahiru Yahaya-Lawal, as saying the arrests were made during coordinated raids carried out under the ongoing “Operation Ramadan Mubarak,” aimed at ensuring a safe and drug-free Kano during and after the Ramadan period.
He said between February 6 and February 8, the agency targeted notorious drug locations in Kofar Mata, Fagge, Kasuwar Rimi, Medile, Badawa, and Sabon Gari areas of the state.
According to him, the operation also extended to other locations within and outside the Kano metropolis to dismantle illegal drug distribution points.
“The operation was a continuation of earlier enforcement efforts aimed at sustaining pressure on criminal networks that have long operated in these communities.
“The focused action was designed to disrupt drug distribution channels and restore safety to neighbourhoods affected by drug-related activities,” he said.
Yahaya-Lawal said that during the raids, operatives recovered various illicit substances, including cannabis sativa, Exol-5, diazepam, and pregabalin, among other controlled drugs and related items.
He noted that the seizure represents a significant blow to local drug supply networks and demonstrated the command’s resolve to rid communities of illicit drugs.
The commander further disclosed that one of the suspects arrested during the operation, a 30-year-old Yunusa Yasin of Badawa area, was linked to a homicide case that occurred five years ago.
He said the suspect was handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Yahaya-Lawal reiterated the command’s commitment to achieving a drug-free Kano in line with the agenda of the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba-Marwa.
He urged members of the public to continue providing useful information on drug-related activities to assist the agency in safeguarding communities.