The number of Nigerians turning to drug smuggling is currently on a high side, as some see it as their only chance to cushion the harsh effect of the country’s falling economy.
Between January and March, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in the Federal Capital Territory command seized 2,265.677 kilogrammes of various substances.
This was revealed in an interview with the News Agency Nigeria on Monday in Abuja by the agency’s FCT Commander, Mr. Kabir Tsakuwa.
Tsakuwa reported that 123 suspects for drug-related offences were also detained by NDLEA agents in the territory during the time period under consideration.
He claimed that among the narcotics found were cocaine, cannabis sativa, and psychotropic substances.
“The Command detained 123 suspects for illegal drug use, 116 of them were men and seven of whom were women.
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“A total of 2,265.677 kilogrammes of various narcotics were seized. We also have 54 convictions from the Command, and there are 300 cases still ongoing.
However, he added, “231 of such pending cases were from the prior year, and 69 were from the first quarter”.
Tsakuwa reported that during the same time frame, the command had admitted 20 drug addicts for counselling and rehabilitation.
He stated that 13 patients had been released.
According to him, 142 patients are receiving outpatient counselling, with 42 of them receiving referrals from the investigation unit.
The NDLEA boss stated that the command was working to control the drug problem in the FCT and further stated that the agency would continue to clear out trouble places through raid operations.
Through intelligence sharing and collaborative operations, he added, the command would also work with other sister organisations including the Military, Nigeria Police, NSCDC, FRSC, and DSS.
More Sensitisation
He said that more media collaboration would be used to raise awareness and prevent drug usage, and that projects for education would be investigated.
Using the War Against Drug Abuse platform, he added: “We (NDLEA) will also continue to collaborate with other stakeholders, NGOs, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and opinion leaders, among others.
“More sensitisation campaigns aimed at secondary schools and tertiary institutions will be planned.
“We’ll also conduct sensitisation campaigns in places of employment, including hospitals, a few private and corporate organisations, Ministries, and Parastatals.
“Sensitisation for farmers, market vendors, hotels, and other groups will also be taken into consideration”.
Furthermore, he stated that this would be done as part of efforts to cut down as much as possible on drug misuse and trafficking in the area.
