The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Bayelsa says it arrested 215 suspected drug traffickers in 2016, and seized 219.9 kilos of illicit drugs.

A statement signed by Osakwe Ikenna, Principal Staff Officer, Public Affairs, in Yenagoa on Friday, said among those arrested, 164 were male while 51 were female, adding that the agency secured 19 convictions, rehabilitated 149 drug dependence people.

“At present, two residential clients, are still undergoing rehabilitation,” he said.

He said the agency in collaboration with various groups, communities and associations also carried out far-reaching public enlightenment.

Ikenna said the agency in the last quarter of 2016 arrested 39 suspects and  seized 52.9 kgs of various illicit drugs.

He said that during the last quarter, the NDLEA operatives apprehended several drug dealers on the command’s watch-list.

He said the suspects, include a notorious baron, who was arrested on Nov.  12  with 20 kgs of dried weeds suspected to be Cannabis Sativa recovered from his warehouse in Yenagoa.

He said the suspected baron’s storekeeper and carrier were also arrested.

Ikenna reiterated that NDLEA would continue to fish out unrepentant drug barons, who destroy the lives of unsuspecting youths and foster criminality and insecurity in the society.

The spokesman appealed to communities to support the agency by providing relevant and accurate information on drug dealers in their areas.

“We counsel all residents to celebrate the festivities by abstaining from all illicit substances.

“We also encourage parents to listen to their children, give them moral and psychological support to prevent them from being lured into the use of illicit drugs by their peers.” (NAN)