Cross River State Commander, NDLEA Anteyi John while inspecting the seized Illicit Drugs in his Command on Tuesday .
By Ita Williams, Calabar
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says its sustained offensive against drug trafficking networks in Cross River State has yielded remarkable results, leading to the arrest of 262 suspects and the destruction of eight hectares of cannabis plantations within seven months.
Addressing journalists in Calabar on Tuesday, the State Commander, Anteyi John, presented a comprehensive account of the command’s activities from November 2025 to May 2026.
The briefing formed part of activities marking the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Figures released by the agency showed that the 262 suspects arrested consisted of 207 men and 55 women.
John attributed the arrests to intensified intelligence gathering and coordinated enforcement operations across the state.
The command also reported substantial seizures of hard drugs and other prohibited substances.
According to official records, Cannabis Sativa accounted for the largest share of the seizures at 6,397.59095 kilograms.
Other recoveries included 1.465 kilograms of cannabis seeds, 60.4 grams of cocaine, 20.17 grams of heroin, 778.64 grams of methamphetamine and 166.36673 kilograms of psychotropic substances.
“The total quantity of drugs seized within the period under review is 6,575.009 kilograms,” the commander stated.
He described the seizures as a major breakthrough in the agency’s effort to disrupt drug distribution channels.
In addition to arrests and seizures, the command launched aggressive operations targeting illicit cannabis cultivation.
John disclosed that anti-narcotics operatives raided cannabis farms in Uyanga Community, Akamkpa Local Government Area.
The operations, carried out on April 7 and April 25, resulted in the destruction of approximately eight hectares of cannabis plantations.
“The operations were aimed at cutting off local supply chains and discouraging farmers from engaging in drug cultivation,” he explained.
On the legal front, the command secured 28 convictions during the review period. Those convicted comprised 20 men and eight women.
The commander further disclosed that 132 cases remained pending before various High Court divisions, while 61 new cases had been filed for prosecution.
He maintained that successful prosecutions remain essential in discouraging future violations.
Beyond enforcement, the agency recorded progress in rehabilitation and public awareness.
John said 138 individuals benefited from counselling and rehabilitation services.
He added that the NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse campaign reached schools, workplaces and communities through 99 sensitisation programmes.
“Through education, prevention, rehabilitation, community engagement and effective law enforcement, we can reverse this trend,” he said.
The awareness programmes reached 156,556 people across the state.
Calling for collective action, the Commander urged residents to support anti-drug initiatives and safeguard young people from substance abuse.
In her remarks, the Chairperson of the Cross River State Drug Control Committee and wife of the governor, Mrs. Eyoawan Bassey Otu, pledged to intensify advocacy campaigns against drug abuse and trafficking.
She urged all stakeholders to work together in tackling the growing menace of substance abuse across the state, saying, “All hands must be on deck”
