Seventeen suspects have been apprehended by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) following a series of raids conducted on drug joints in Abeokuta, the capital city of Ogun State. The raids, carried out in collaboration with operatives from the 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, resulted in the recovery of 6.2kg of drugs, as well as the seizure of a pistol.Commander of Narcotics, NDLEA Ogun State, Ibiba Odili, made the announcement in a statement released on Thursday. The targeted drug joints were located in various areas of the state capital, including Obada, Lafenwa, Odo-Eran, and Adigbe.During the operations, two suspects were caught in possession of 2.5kg of cannabis sativa, commonly known as marijuana. In addition, 1.5kg of the same substance was discovered abandoned at the scene. A locally-made pistol, along with three cartridges, was also uncovered, highlighting the dangerous connection between drug trafficking and illicit firearms.The subsequent phase of the operation led to the arrest of another suspect, along with the seizure of 63 grams of cannabis sativa. Two drug users were also apprehended during this phase. Furthermore, 1.1kg of abandoned cannabis sativa was confiscated, further disrupting the drug trade in the targeted area.In the final phase of the operation, two drug users were apprehended, and a seizure of 500 grams of abandoned cannabis sativa was recorded. The cumulative impact of all three phases revealed a disconcerting reality: a total of three suspects were apprehended, accompanied by the arrest of 14 drug users. The combined weight of the confiscated cannabis sativa amounted to a staggering 6.2kg of both abandoned and seized drugs.The successful joint operation between the NDLEA, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has dealt a significant blow to drug trafficking activities in Abeokuta. The arrests and seizures underline the agency’s commitment to curbing the illicit drug trade, safeguarding public safety, and dismantling the dangerous nexus between narcotics and firearms.