The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday said it has seized 7,422.611 kilograms of cannabis sativa (Indian hemps) and other psychotropic substances in the last one year in Ogun state.
The agency equally added that it arrested 197 suspected drug abusers, out of which 24 were convicted by the court.
The state’s NDLEA Commander, Ishaku Yusuf Kwajafa, 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.
Kwajafa, flanked by the Deputy State Commander, Mrs Wagbara Charity, and the Chairman of OSDCC, Pharmacist Olufemi Fafiolu, hinted that the command counselled 60 drug dependent persons while some were referred to Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, for treatment and rehabilitation.
The Commander lamented the prevalence of drug abuse in the state.
He, however, said the agency was poised to nip in the bud, menace of drug offences.
Kwajafa identified inadequate funding, operational vehicles, office accommodation and rehabilitation facilities as part of challenges impeding operations of the agency.
The Commander 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.
“I use this opportunity to appeal to the good people of Ogun state especially parents to listen to their children and proffer useful advice to them in order to properly check the menace of drug abuse which is capable of destroying lives, communities and identities.
“Let us join hands in order to wage a successful war against this monster in order to have a drug-free society and live a healthy life for overall development of our nation,” Kwajafa said.
In his remarks, the OSDCC Chairman who is also the Director, Pharmacy Department in the state’s Ministry of Health, called for a concerted efforts of stakeholders to end the menace of drug abuse.
Fafiolu specifically challenged musicians to take a lead role in the campaign against drug abuse with a view to ensuring a drug-free society.
“It is a pity that many musicians and celebrities of 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.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
