The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency says it has arrested 18,940 suspects for different drug-related offences in the past two years.

Brig-Gen. Mohammed Buba-Marwa, the Chairman of the agency, said this at an award presentation in Yola on Tuesday.

The award was conferred on him by the Adamawa Honours Society in recognition of his outstanding service to the nation.

He said the agency secured 3,324 convictions, siezed 5.4 kilogramme of different control drugs, narcotic substances and rehabilitated 3,326 drug abusers within the period under review.

The NDLEA boss urged parents, community and religious leaders to upscale campaigns to tame the menace, saying, “drugs do not discriminate against tribe, religion or region”.

The agency, he said, recently acquired drug and lie test kits, adding that intending couples should be tested for drug use before marriage.

“Drug tests will determine the innocence or otherwise of couples and save marital relationships from collapse due to drug abuse,” he said.

According to him, the agency is working assiduously to achieve a reduction in the supply and demand for drugs, stressing that this would significantly add value to the fight against the trend.

Marwa commended President Muhammadu Buhari for supporting the agency in the fight against illicit drugs, adding,” I also commend the Adamawa House of Assembly for enacting laws against drug-related offences”.

He said the award would spur him to do more and commended the organisers for finding him worthy of the award.

Mr Dauda Markus-Gundiri, an official of the group, said Marwa’s track record informed the award in public service.

He described the awardee as the true ”son of the soil”, who served the nation with commitment, dedication and sincerity of purpose, considering his performances in the numerous positions held.

He said the group would continue to recognise deserving individuals and groups with such gestures, especially those who served humanity selflessly.

(NAN/Punch)