The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Bayelsa State says it arrested 600 suspected drug offenders and seized 621.55 kilogrammes of illicit substances between January and December 2025.
State Commander, Kanu Sunny Chukwuemeka, disclosed this in Yenagoa, noting that the suspects comprised 407 males and 193 females. He said the arrests followed undercover operations, patrols and raids on drug joints, hotels, bars and transport routes.
According to him, the agency confiscated 51,445 tablets and capsules, 658 injection ampoules and 224 bottles of codeine containing psychotropic substances and opioids.
Chukwuemeka identified a cannabis and alcohol mixture known locally as “monkey tail” or “koskorin” as the most abused substance in the state, with 435.055 litres weighing 365.53 kilogrammes seized.
He revealed that youths aged 21 to 25 formed the largest group of offenders, while the estimated street value of seized drugs exceeded ₦64.7 million.
On prosecution, 20 cases were filed at the Federal High Court in Yenagoa, resulting in eight convictions. The agency also referred 621 persons for counselling, rehabilitated 34 clients and conducted 671 drug integrity tests.
The commander urged stronger collaboration with the state government and stakeholders to combat rising substance abuse in Bayelsa.
