The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested no fewer than 64 suspects, including seven drug dealers after raiding several hotels in Sokoto.
Mr. Muhammad Iro, the NDLEA Commander, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday that over 517 kilograms of illegal drugs were seized from the suspects.
According to Iro, the raid was an attempt to deal with criminal elements ahead of the general election.
“Our operation in the first raid seized 473 Kilograms of Cannabis sativa, 4.3 Kilograms of Cordine, 10 grams of Rafinole and seven grams of methamphetamine.
“We arrested no less than 64 people, during investigation, seven of them are suspected to be drug traffickers in the country.
“A total of 57 others have been identified as drug users who will participate in the NDLEA rehabilitation programme.
“However, the seven suspected drug dealers will be charged in court,” he said.
The commander added that operations supported by other security agencies would continue.
“This is part of the NDLEA’s fight against drug abuse and cleansing the society of criminal elements of leaders of the upcoming general elections in the country.
“We are optimistic that without the consumption of hard drugs, criminal activities and other social crimes will be minimal, if not fully dealt with.
“Thus, we will continue to fight against drug dealers and users as part of ensuring the upcoming elections are free of crimes related to drug abuse,” he said.
Iro said the order would sensitize all hotel operators in the country on the need to evaluate customers and details of activities in their facilities.
He added that the NDLEA will not hesitate to close down hotels found to be drug dealers.