The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Plateau State Command, says it seized more than 9.4 tonnes of illicit drugs and arrested 1,587 suspects for drug-related offences between July 2025 and June 2026.

The Plateau State Commander of the NDLEA, Anthony Gotar, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing in Jos to mark the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, themed “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges and Innovative Responses”.

According to Gotar, operatives of the command confiscated a total of 9,488.186 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs and controlled substances during various operations across the state within the review period.

“The Command successfully seized a total of 9,488.186 kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs and controlled substances across various operations conducted within the state. These seizures have disrupted drug distribution networks and prevented harmful substances from reaching our communities,” he said.

He added that 1,587 male and female suspects were arrested for various drug-related offences, describing the figure as evidence of the agency’s intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse in the state.

“A total of 1,587 male and female suspects involved in various drug-related offences were arrested during the period under review. Investigations were conducted in accordance with the provisions of the NDLEA Act and other relevant laws,” Gotar stated.

The commander also revealed that anti-drug operations led to the recovery of ammunition and firearms, highlighting what he described as the growing link between drug trafficking and other forms of criminal activity.

According to him, NDLEA operatives recovered 486 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm ammunition, three locally fabricated pistols, and two pump-action guns. Four suspects connected to the weapons were arrested and handed over to the relevant security agencies for further investigation.

“These recoveries underscore the growing connection between illicit drug activities and other forms of criminality. The suspects and exhibits were transferred to the appropriate security agencies for necessary action,” he added.

On prosecution efforts, Gotar disclosed that 71 drug offenders were convicted and sentenced to various jail terms during the period, while several other cases remain pending before the Federal High Court in Jos.

He said the command intensified intelligence-led operations in several identified drug hotspots, including Ojukwu Street, the Congo-Russia axis, Kugiya, Zawan, Ungwan Doki, Rayfield, Mai-Adiko, Bukuru Park, Gold and Base, among others.

The operations, according to him, led to the dismantling of notorious drug joints and distribution centres, the arrest of traffickers and users, and the seizure of illicit substances.

“Several notorious drug joints, black spots, and drug distribution centres were successfully dismantled and disrupted. These operations resulted in the arrest of drug traffickers and users, seizure of illicit substances, and destruction of drug distribution points,” he said.

Beyond enforcement activities, the NDLEA commander said the agency continued to prioritise rehabilitation and public enlightenment programmes. He disclosed that 114 persons struggling with drug dependence received treatment and rehabilitation services at the command’s mini rehabilitation centre, while 900 drug users underwent brief counselling interventions before being released to their families for monitoring and support.

Gotar called on residents of Plateau State to support the agency with timely and credible information, stressing that the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking requires collective effort.

“The fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking is a collective responsibility. Government agencies alone cannot win this battle without the active support of parents, community leaders, educational institutions, faith-based organisations, civil society groups, and the media,” he said.

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