NDLEA seizes 2 million kg of drugs in 5 months
At least 14 million Nigerians, aged between 20 and 35, are the highest drugs users.
The National Drugs Law enforcement Agency, has said that it has confiscated 2 million kilogrammes of illicit drugs within five months.
Chairman of NDLEA, General Buba Maryam, said at least 14 million Nigerians aged between 25 and 35 are active drugs users.
Buba Marwa said billions of naira has been generated through the sales and usage of illicit hard drugs in Nigeria.
“These illicit money realised from the trafficking of drugs is what is used to fuel crimes and insecurity in the country,” he said.
Shadrack Haruna, the Secretary of NDLEA, said the agency is gradually winning the was as compared with past because there has been a change of strategy brought in by the new chairman, General Buba Marwa.
He said officers are more motivated now than ever before.
Mr Haruna blamed reasons for drug abuse on trading it for money and usage for pleasure.
The anti drugs officer added that “there is no particular push factor for usage of drug”.
Speaking on role of the society in the drug war, Mr Haruna said there must be a societal participation in the war against drugs abuse.
He listed “proper parenting, multilateral participation of stakeholders as panacea for the deep seated drugs problem in Nigeria.
Mr Haruna also re-echoed the call of the NDLEA chairman on the need to establish or setting up of “drug control units in communities” in communities.
The NDLEA scribe said the agency does not only make arrests, but also ensure prosecution.
“Prosecution has been very effective so far; the punishment is adequate, but there is need to make it more effective,” he said.
The Humanitarian Times publishes this report as part of the commemoration of 2021
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Share Facts On Drugs, Save Lives”
