The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Wednesday destroyed 83.35 tonnes of cannabis in Ondo State, sending a strong warning to drug traffickers that enforcement actions would be intensified.
The public incineration, held in Akure, underscored the agency’s renewed offensive against illicit drug trade, with officials declaring that offenders would continue to face stiff resistance.
Chairman of the agency, Buba Marwa, who was represented by DCGN Ningi, said the destroyed substances were products of years of sustained operations and prosecutions.
He disclosed that the seizures were made between January 2017 and December 2024, adding that all exhibits had gone through due legal processes at the Federal High Court in Akure before their destruction.
According to him, the exercise reflected the agency’s commitment to lawful prosecution and transparency, noting that the large volume of drugs highlighted both the scale of the problem and the determination of the agency to tackle it.
Marwa warned that those involved in the cultivation, trafficking and distribution of illicit substances would continue to face decisive action.
Backing the agency’s stance, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said the state would not relent in its fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
Represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, the governor stressed that the government had adopted proactive measures, including public awareness campaigns and collaboration with stakeholders, to curb the menace, especially among young people.
He added that security agencies in the state had been fully empowered to deal with offenders, warning that there would be no tolerance for drug-related crimes.
Earlier, the NDLEA Commander in the state, Daniel Sallah, commended the Ondo State Government for its support, noting that improved logistics and welfare had strengthened the agency’s operations.
The exercise attracted key stakeholders, including security chiefs, transport union leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups and religious bodies, who reiterated calls for a united front against drug abuse.