Pubdate: Sat, 30 Oct 2004 Source: This Day (Nigeria) Copyright: 2004 This Day. Contact: http://www.thisdayonline.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2870 Author: Saka Ibrahim NDLEA ARRESTS 273 YOUTHS IN GOMBE Gombe -- Gombe state Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 273 youths in the state for drug abuse. The agency has also confiscated hard drugs weighing 153 kilogrammes between September last year to date. The Area Commander Mr Illiya Kaltungo during a courtesy call on Governor Danjuma Goje, said the drug suspects were arrested as a result of constant patrol. He said his command has been liaising with traditional rulers and other stakeholders in order to make their operation a success. The Area Commander commended the Danjuma Goje administration for assisting the agency and making their service very effective. Said Kaltungo, "Your Excellency, we are grateful for the assistance your administration has been giving to the NDLEA. Mr Kaltungo appealed to the governor to include the agency in the state security committee, provide them with logistics and endeavour to construct a Drug Abuse Rehabilitation Centre. The governor in his response agreed to include the NDLEA, Immigration and NAFDAC representatives in the state security meeting assist but called on the Federal Government to endeavour to fund its agencies adequately. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager