Anambra Anti-Touting Squad Incinerates ₦50m Illegal Drugs, Nabs Dealers

On Saturday, the Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA) conducted extensive raids across Awka, the state capital, and its surrounding areas, leading to the destruction of illegal narcotics valued at approximately N50 million. Mr. Monday Nwokoye, the Managing Director of SASA, confirmed that individuals apprehended during these operations, linked to the illicit drug trade, have been transferred into the custody of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Nwokoye revealed that these coordinated raids were executed based on credible intelligence reports, reinforcing SASA's firm commitment to eradicating both illicit drug abuse and touting within Anambra State. He issued a stern warning to anyone engaged in the distribution or use of illegal substances, urging them to cease immediately or face severe legal repercussions.

According to Nwokoye, “The raid underscores SASA’s commitment to dismantling illicit drug networks and curbing criminality across Anambra State. It is a significant enforcement exercise carried out after credible intelligence gathering across various locations. Illicit drugs estimated to be worth about N50m were found and destroyed, reaffirming the agency’s zero-tolerance stance on drug abuse and touting. It is our quest to ensure that Anambra is rid of touting, hard drugs, and all forms of crimes and criminality. The hard drugs were recovered from Awka and its environs. Those arrested in connection with the illegal business had been handed over to officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.”

The head of SASA explained that the drugs were publicly incinerated to prevent them from re-entering circulation. He reiterated his warning to drug peddlers, advising them to vacate the state or be prepared to face the full force of the law. He further detailed that the confiscated narcotics comprised a variety of substances, including cocaine, Ghanaian loud, tramadol, cannabis sativa, mkpulu mmiri, among others.

Nwokoye affirmed that SASA operatives would continue to carry out their duties impartially and without apprehension. He expressed gratitude to Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for his consistent support to the agency and assured the citizens of Anambra (Ndi Anambra) of their ongoing commitment to cleanse the state of all illegal hard drugs, touting, and criminal activities. He concluded by appealing to Ndi Anambra to report any suspicious activities within their communities across the state, emphasizing that prompt action would be taken to foster a secure, liveable, and prosperous homeland.