The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said yesterday that has seized 7,422.611 kilograms of cannabis sativa (Indian hemp) and other psychotropic substances in the last one year in Ogun State.
Besides, the agency said it arrested 197 suspected drug abusers, out of which 24 were convicted by the court.
The NDLEA State Commander, Ishaku Yusuf Kwajafa, who disclosed this in Abeokuta at a press briefing organized by the Ogun State Drug Control Committee (OSDCC), in collaboration with the agency, as part of activities commemorating this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Trafficking, said the command counseled 60 drug dependent persons while some were referred to Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, for treatment and rehabilitation.
The Commander lamented prevalence of drug abuse in the state but said that the agency was poised to nip in the bud the menace.
He identified inadequate funding, operational vehicles, office accommodation and rehabilitation facilities as part of challenges obstructing the operations of the agency.
Kwajafa noted that this year’s campaign with the theme ‘Health for Justice, Justice For Health’, places emphasis on a comprehensive approach to drug prevention and treatment.
The OSDCC Chairman, who is also the Director, Pharmacy Department in the State Ministry of Health, Olufemi Fafiolu, called for concerted efforts by stakeholders to end the menace.
Fafiolu specifically challenged musicians to take a lead role in the campaign with a view to ensuring a drug-free society.
“It is a pity that many of musicians and celebrities today celebrate drug abuse in their lyrics and videos. This ought not to be because they have great influence on their listeners. OSDCC is planning to reach out to musicians so as to get them to lead the campaign against drug abuse,” he said.
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