Uyo – The NDLEA in Akwa Ibom says it has arrested 218 persons for trafficking in hard drugs and psychotropic substances since January.

The state’s Commander of the agency, Mrs Josephine Obi, disclosed this in Uyo on Monday while briefing newsmen on activities to mark this year’s World Drug-Free Day scheduled for Thursday.

She said of the 218 arrested suspects, 203 were males while 15 were females.

Obi, who also said the agency seized exhibits weighing 99.49 kilogrammes,

urged residents of the state to partner the agency in tackling drug abuse.

“Parents, lawmakers, law enforcers, administrators and politicians, religious leaders, traditional rulers, students, businessmen and women, artisans and even the media all have a role to play.

“The prevalence of illicit drugs across the globe has assumed a disturbing proportion and the horrific effects of the consequent abuse require the collective efforts at mitigation.

“A major fall out of the illicit trade and abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances is the physical and psychological consequences of the use of these drugs.

“The lives and zest of people, who should be the pride of their families and nation, are cut short or largely compromised to the extent that they become burdens to their families and security threats to the society,’’ she said.

Obi, who commended Gov. Godswill Akpabio for his support to the command, said the theme of the 2014 celebration was “A message of Hope–Substance Abuse Disorders are Preventable and Treatable.”

/NAN