The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it had publicly destroyed narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The anti-drugs agency said the destroyed drugs weighed 7,248.529kg and that they were seized by both the FCT and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) commands of the agency.
NDLEA spokesman, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, claimed that the destroyed drugs were valued at N1.9 billion.
NDLEA boss, Dr. Ahmadu Giade, who led dignitaries in setting the drugs ablaze, said the public burning event was in compliance with the Federal High Court order for the items to be burnt in the public.
He said cannabis had the largest share of the drugs with 7,183.5kg, psychotropic substances was next with 40.9kg, cocaine 18.254kg, methamphetamine 4.7kg and heroin 1.175kg.
Giade described the burning as a victory for the country.
He said: "This destruction exercise is a demonstration of the agency's capacity to confront drug barons and confiscate the drugs which they so much cherish but which also destroys our youth.
"It also underscores the worthlessness of dealing in narcotics knowing that the drugs will ultimately go down the drain just as the drugs are being reduced to ashes this day."
Besides, the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Col. AS Kudu (rtd), urged all the area council chiefs to support the NDLEA in its drive to rid the country of banned narcotics.
"We must all support the Agency in the fight against drugs. I urge traditional rulers and area council chairmen to also lend their logistic and moral support," he said.
NDLEA Commander, Mr. Dennis Obiefule, said the agency had successfully rehabilitated 68 drug addicts between January and October, this year.
He said the rehabilitated drug addicts had also been re-united with their family members, adding that it carried out pubic enlightenment in schools and motor parks in the FCT.
Source: NDLEA destroys N1.9bn drugs in FCT (http://nationalmirroronline.net/new/ndlea-destroys-n1-9bn-drugs-in-fct/)