The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Kano Strategic Command, has arrested 38 suspects during a two-day raid operation across major drug hotspots in Kano metropolis ahead of the Eid al-Kabir celebrations.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Sadiq Muhammad Maigatari, on Saturday.

According to the statement, the operation was carried out under the leadership of the Commander, CN DY Lawal, as part of the agency’s ongoing “Operation Sharar Mafaka” aimed at curbing criminal activities linked to illicit drugs during the festive period.

The statement said the raid targeted notorious drug joints in areas including Fagge, Filin Idi, Gyadi Gyadi, Hotoro, Tashar Rami, Audu Bako Secretariat, Hauren Gadagi, Kofar Mata, Sheka and Farm Center.

It added that several illicit substances and locally manufactured weapons were recovered during the operation.

Items recovered include Cannabis sativa, Exol-5, Diazepam, “Suck and Die,” rubber solution and locally made weapons.

Speaking on the development, CN DY Lawal said the command intensified enforcement activities to stop criminal elements from taking advantage of the Sallah celebrations.

“We have intensified enforcement ahead of the Sallah period because unscrupulous elements often exploit festive events to expand their criminal activities,” he said.

“We will continue to hit the joints until our streets are safe. Our operations will be sustained to ensure a peaceful Sallah celebration for all citizens.”

The statement noted that the operation aligned with the directive of the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), to ensure safer communities across the country.

“The arrested suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue and will be prosecuted where evidence warrants,” the statement added.

The command also reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling drug supply networks and urged residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies.