NDLEA busts drug hotspots in Kano

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Kano Strategic Command, has arrested at least 73 people and seized illegal drugs in operations targeting drug hotspots in Kano.

A statement on Friday from the Assistant Superintendent of Narcotics and Public Relations Officer of the command, Sadiq Maigatari, said the arrests happened during a one-day operation based on intelligence in the Kano metropolitan area.

The statement explained that the raids took place at the Filin Mahaha drug den, Sani Abacha Youth Centre, and various spots in the Sheka area of Kano metropolis.

"In a one-day coordinated operation under 'Operation Sharar Mafaka,' officers of the NDLEA Kano Strategic Command raided the notorious Filin Mahaha drug den, the Sani Abacha Youth Centre, and locations in the Sheka area, arresting 73 suspects and recovering a variety of illicit substances," the statement said.

The statement highlighted that the drugs seized included cannabis sativa, diazepam, pregabalin, Exol 5, a substance locally called 'suck and die,' along with other items used in drug distribution and consumption.

"This operation is part of 'Operation Sharar Mafaka,' which aims to find, remove, and shut down notorious drug spots across the state.

"The ongoing tactic of dislodging and occupying these areas is meant to disrupt the activities at these locations and prevent drug traffickers from having safe places to operate.

"We will keep dislodging and occupying these drug spots based on the directive from our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, until there are no safe places left for illegal drug activities," the statement added.

The agency urged the public to continue giving timely and useful information to support their efforts in cracking down on drug activities.