A total of 147 persons were arrested with approximately 540kg of cannabis in their possession between January and June 2016 in Oyo State.
The Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mrs Omolade Faboyede, gave the figure during this year’s commemoration of International Day against drug abuse and illicit Drug Trafficking in Oyo State.
The NDLEA Boss further revealed that 539.586kg of cannabis have been recovered as exhibit while 147 suspects have been arrested by the command between January and June this year with 22 convictions.
She maintained that the command would continue to enlighten members of the public on the danger of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.
The event, which was attended by several stakeholders from students, security operatives, health officials and parents had many speakers asking parents and guardians and government agencies saddled with the role of moral uprightness to be alive to their duties.
Speakers at the event stated that the increase in social vices and the prevalence of drug abuse is as a result of laxities at mentoring and monitoring young ones.
Speakers appealed to parents, guardians, teachers and leaders in the society to first listen and guide the youth appropriately.
The International Day against Drug Abuse and illicit Drug Trafficking is designed by the United Nations and member states to create awareness on the danger of drug abuse and illicit trafficking across the globe.
At the 2016 edition of the International Day Against Drug abuse in Oyo State, Various speakers on the theme “Listen First”, decried the prevalence of drug abuse and illicit trafficking among the youths.
They stressed that a lot still needs to be done by parents, guardian, stakeholders and government at all levels who must take proactive measures ensure that the menace of drug abuse among the youths and students is curtailed.
They maintained that the prevalence of social vices such as armed robbery, kidnapping among others were the adverse effects of drug abuse among the use saying for these vices to be halted, all hands must be on the deck.