The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen-Buba Marwa (rtd), has condemned the use of illicit drugs, especially Indian hemp, to cook food.
Marwa spoke on Thursday in Lagos at the 10th anniversary lecture and investiture into the hall of fame organised by Realnews, an online publishing outfit, with the theme: “Drug Abuse Among Youths in Africa: Implications for Nigeria’s Economy and 2023 Elections”.
He said, “People use drugs to prepare cookies, pepper soup, among others. This is dangerous and condemnable.”
He regretted that traffickers had continued to manufacture and share illicit drugs despite NDLEA’s efforts to tackle the menace.
On the implications of illicit drug consumption by youths on the 2023 elections, he said drugs would be purchased by desperate politicians and be shared to youths.
He regretted that, “Some top Nigerians are canvassing for liberalisation of marijuana. They want to be allowed to plant it.
“This sends wrong signals to Nigerian youths; they are being encouraged to keep doing something wrong.
“Instead of seeking to legalise it, people should support us to battle this ugly monster.”
Earlier in her address, Mrs Maureen Ochigbo, publisher of RealNews, regretted the high consumption of illicit drugs by youths and described the situation as scary and disheartening. (NAN)
She said, “The current state of consumption of illicit drugs by Nigerian youths is disheartening.
“These youths are losing their potential to serve the nation; this is worrisome.”
