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Edo State intensifies efforts against drug trafficking and abuse, emphasizing collaborative and innovative strategies
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Edo State Government, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA Edo State Command, and other stakeholders convened in Benin City to address the escalating challenges of drug trafficking and abuse. The event, commemorating the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, highlighted the theme "The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses." Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by Senior Special Assistant on Drug Policy and Trafficking Control, Andrew Efe, declared a zero-tolerance policy for drug trafficking, vowing to pursue traffickers and seize illicit substances. He stressed that a collaborative approach involving homes, churches, mosques, schools, and faith institutions is crucial for prevention and education. The government is also funding youth empowerment programs to foster productivity. State NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, detailed the complexities of the drug landscape, including the rise of synthetic drugs and the dark web, and urged proactive community measures. He reported that the Edo State command arrested 289 suspected drug traffickers, seized 35,008.38kgs of drugs, convicted 52 traffickers, and provided counseling to 135 individuals with drug abuse problems. Mrs. Edesili Anani Okpebholo, Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady and Chairperson of the Edo State Drug Control Committee, represented by Barrister Nimata Umar Ikhilor, noted that social media presents a new challe
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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