The Kano State multi-agency taskforce on drug and other illicit substance abuse has arrested 71 suspected peddlers, suppliers and victims as part of efforts to disrupt the supply and abuse of illicit substances in the state.

Chairman of the taskforce, Muhuyi Magaji Rimin-Gado, disclosed this while briefing members of the Kano Correspondents Chapel on the committee’s activities.

Rimin-Gado said the arrests were made as part of enforcement operations targeting drug trafficking, substance abuse and gang violence across the state.

He said 71 people had been arrested in Dan Agundi Jalamo, identified as a hotspot for illicit drug activities, with four cases having the potential to result in convictions.

The chairman said suspects arrested for drug-related offences were first subjected to drug tests to determine the appropriate course of action.

He explained that individuals who tested positive for a single substance, particularly cannabis, were usually counselled and released to their parents or guardians, with follow-up tests scheduled.

Those found to be abusing multiple substances, however, were prosecuted, with some subsequently sentenced to rehabilitation programmes rather than conventional imprisonment.

Rimin-Gado said more than 41 inmates convicted by the courts were currently serving their sentences at the Kiru Reformatory Institute, where the government provides their care and feeding.

He added that the taskforce was also targeting gang leaders and other dangerous individuals involved in violence linked to illicit substance abuse.

The chairman said the state government had commenced a rehabilitation and reintegration programme aimed at taking 10,000 youths off the streets within one year.

He said the programme would combine enforcement with medical detoxification, rehabilitation, skills acquisition and reintegration into society.

Rimin-Gado said skills acquisition centres across Kano would provide training in areas including garment production, leatherwork, electrical installation and GSM repairs.

He said the taskforce would continue working to tackle drug trafficking, substance abuse and thuggery while providing rehabilitation opportunities for affected youths.