ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Government has described the recent interception of drug-laden buses by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) along the Asaba–Onitsha Expressway as a major breakthrough that has significantly disrupted drug trafficking activities on the busy corridor.
The commendation followed the interception of two commercial buses by operatives of the NDLEA, Delta State Command, on January 15, during an operation that led to the seizure of large quantities of illicit substances.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Director-General of the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Barrister Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, reaffirmed Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s unwavering commitment to the Drug-Free Delta campaign, being implemented in collaboration with the NDLEA.
Oghenesivbe described the operation as a serious setback for criminal networks that rely on the Asaba–Onitsha Expressway to transport narcotics across the country, noting that the seizure would further weaken the supply chain of illicit drugs within and beyond the state.
He urged the agency to ensure thorough investigation and diligent prosecution of the suspects arrested in connection with the seizure, identified as Zaharadeen Yahaya, 25, and Sanusi Maman, 23, in accordance with the law.
Items recovered from the intercepted buses included over 410,800 pills of tramadol, 84.2 litres of codeine syrup, 82,250 tablets of diazepam, 900 tablets of swinol, and 65 pills of molly, with an estimated street value of about ₦300 million.
The state government also commended the Delta State NDLEA Commander, Mr. Halilu Hamidu, and his team for what it described as a well-coordinated, intelligence-driven operation, while calling for sustained and intensified efforts to curb drug trafficking, illegal retailing, and street hawking across the state.
Oghenesivbe noted that drug abuse remains a major driver of social vices such as kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, and other criminal activities, stressing that the fight against substance abuse requires collective action.
He emphasised the need for strong parental guidance, community vigilance, and the promotion of positive moral values, adding that the Drug-Free Delta campaign would continue to rely on the combined efforts of government agencies, families, and communities to achieve lasting impact.
