NDLEA raises alarm over high rate of drug abuse in Akwa Ibom

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has expressed concerns about the alarming rate of drug abuse in Akwa Ibom State. 

The State Commander of the agency, Obot Bassey, revealed that the agency has seized over 804kilograms of hard drugs and convicted 38 persons in 2025 alone, noting that young adults in the state have normalized drug abuse, often consuming a mixture of marijuana and alcohol that can lead to mental health challenges.

Highlighting the link between drug abuse and violent crimes, such as kidnapping, rape, and armed robbery, Bassey also lamented the impact on families and communities, noting that 312 suspects have been arrested in Akwa Ibom this year.

She, however, assured that the NDLEA is working to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse through weekly sensitization programs.

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