The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raised the alarm over the use of minors as couriers for drug dealers in Rivers State, warning that children between the ages of 12 and 16 are increasingly being recruited to commit drug-related offences.
The NDLEA commander in the state, Offor Kenneth Onyesoh, disclosed this while speaking on a radio programme monitored in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
Onyesoh urged parents and members of the public to warn their children against involvement in drug-related activities, saying dealers were exploiting minors because they believed they would escape prosecution if arrested.
“Our observation within this four months, the use of minors in commission of various drug offences was observed. The general public should take note; people should speak to their children before other people will speak to them.
“Drug dealers are now in the habit of using minors, people from the ages of 12 to 16, to commit various drug offences believing that when they are arrested, they may not be prosecuted,” Onyesoh said.
The NDLEA commander, who said the agency arrested 281 persons for various drug offences between July and October 2026, announced a total seizure of over 288 kilogrammes nicotine substance 24,460 kilogrammes of psychotropic substance.
He stated that the anti-narcotic agency secured the conviction of 54 drug offenders during the period.
“A total arrest of 286 persons were arrested for various drug offences. 238 males and 43 females. During the period, narcotic substances also seized, accounted for 288.695 kilogrammes while psychotropic substances account for 27.457 kilogrammes, bringing a total seizure of 316.152 kilogrammes,” Onyesoh said.
Onyesoh, who also warned young people against drug and substance abuse, listed Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor local government areas as vulnerable areas for drug activities in Rivers State.
Parents who spoke with LEADERSHIP Sunday in Port Harcourt had raised the alarm over rising cases of drug abuse among idolescents in the the metropolis.
Our correspondent observed that there is substance abuse in Old Port Harcourt Township, Diobu, Ogbunabali, Rumuokoro and other communities within Port Harcourt City and Obio/ Akpor local government areas of the state.