The Anambra State command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it convicted 79 drug traffickers and arrested 136 others in the last six months.

Mr Daniel Onyishi, state commander of the agency disclosed during an event to mark the 2023 United Nations World Drug Day on Saturday in Awka.

Onyishi said the command seized 883.347 kilograms of illicit drugs, engaged youths across the 21 Local Government Areas and rehabilitated 25 clients.

He said the command carried out enlightenment programmes in higher institutions, secondary schools and churches within the period.

He said that the achievements were made possible due to morale and logistics support from the chairman of the agency, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd).

Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Ude, state Commissioner for Education said substance abuse was a cankerworm which every right-thinking person must avoid.

Chuma-Ude who declared the event open said drug addiction reduces human being to vegetable, make one’s family and society to be ashamed of the addict.

She urged the youths to shun drug addiction as the habit has no advantage.

Prof. Okechukwu Esimone, the Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Awka in a goodwill message urged the youths especially students not to allow anyone to influence them negatively to take illicit drugs.

Esimone represented by Prof. Angela Ufele, the Director, Academic and Planning, UNIZIK said drug abuse impact negatively on the workforce.

The VC said the institutions now offer postgraduate programme to build capacity on how to tackle illicit drugs, as well as partner with NDLEA.

Prof. Mike Ezenwa, professor of clinical psychology who delivered a short lecture advised NDLEA to evolve proactive measures towards tackling the menace of drug trafficking and abuse.

The theme of 2023 celebration is; People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention “,.

The highlight of the event held at the main campus of UNIZIK Awka was the launch of War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) by the Chairman of NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd), who was represented by Mr Samila Etta, Zonal Commander, Owerri.