The Ebonyi command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday announced the arrest of 95 drug suspects from January to date.

The Commandant of the agency in the state, Mr Raph Igwenagu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki that it also seized 350 kilogrammes of illicit drugs during the period.

“The NDLEA in Ebonyi also during the year counselled, rehabilitated and discharged 40 drug users while six drug dependent persons are still undergoing rehabilitation,” he said.

Igwenagu said that 10 suspects were convicted while 30 cases were undergoing prosecution and 15 cases still under investigation.

According to him, the prevalence of illicit drug use among the youth is on the high side as a result of their being susceptible and more vulnerable than adults.

He urged parents and guardians whose children and wards had become victims of drug abuse to bring them to the agency for care, treatment and rehabilitation.

He explained that the agency had undertaken to appraise the menace of drugs in the society and the ills inherent in drug trafficking and abuse.

Igwenagu said the war against illicit drug trafficking and abuse was a collective one and called on traditional rulers, religious organisations, security agencies and other stakeholders to join hands in tackling them.

He also commanded the Ebonyi government for making efforts to reposition its health sector.