Between November 2025 and May 2026, the Cross River State division of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) detained 262 individuals suspected of drug-related offenses. State Commander Anteyi John announced these figures during an event in Calabar commemorating the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The group of detainees included 207 men and 55 women.
The agency seized over 6,575 kilograms of illegal substances during this period, consisting primarily of cannabis, along with smaller amounts of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and various psychotropic drugs. Furthermore, officers destroyed eight hectares of cannabis plantations within the Uyanga area of Akamkpa Local Government on April 7 and April 25, 2026, targeting the regional supply chain.
Regarding legal proceedings, the command has successfully secured 28 convictions, with 132 cases currently awaiting trial and 61 additional matters recently filed in court. Beyond enforcement, 138 individuals received support through the agency’s rehabilitation and counseling programs. Under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative, 99 educational campaigns were conducted, reaching over 156,000 residents. Eyoawan Bassey Otu, wife of the state governor, emphasized the need for unified community efforts to combat the drug crisis.
