Clement Nnachi, Abakaliki
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Ebonyi State command, has so far arrested a total of 141 suspects for their alleged involvement in drug abuse/trafficking between January-June 2019.
In the same vein, 124 of the suspects were males, 17 females while 15 of the suspects were convicted in various courts across the State.
The state’s Commander of the Agency, Mr. Umar Issa Adoro, made the disclosure, on Wednesday, at the Federal Government Girls College Ezzamgbo Ohaukwu Local Government Area of the State while declaring open the “2019 International Day Against Drug Abuse/Trafficking “.
He said that a total of 93.0971 KG of drugs were seized comprising Cannabis Sativa (90.552 KG), Cocaine (0.0103 KG), Psychotropic Substance (1.2674 KG).
He said that the Theme of 2019 International Day Against Drug Abuse titled “Justice For Health, Health For Justice” was selected by the United Nations to tackle the menace of Drugs related problems in the World.
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The state’s NDLEA boss said that the 2019 Sensitization Awareness Campaign was organised for Students of Secondary Schools because they were the silent victims that are silently lured into the illicit act.
“The campaign is organised for schools because the children are the target, they are the silent victims they are the ones to be lured in Drug Abuse cases.”
Mr. Adoro reiterated that the Agency would continue to sensitise students across secondary schools in the State insisting that “We have succeeded in establishing Drug Free Clubs in Schools.”
Earlier, while delivering a Lecture titled “the Menace of Drugs and its Consequences,” the deputy State Commander in-charge of Operation/Intelligence Mr. Ibrahim Mohammed Bachiri, outlined numerous reasons why people indulge in drug abuse to include Peer Group influence, availability of Drugs, Parental influence among others.
Mr. Bachiri enjoined the Federal Government to include the teachings of Drug Abuse/trafficking in the academic curriculum of students in secondary and tertiary institutions in the country.
He identified drugs that are abused to include alcohol, cannabis, Indian Hemp, cocaine, heroine, Tramadol and called for total ban on cigarette and alcoholic producers.
The Deputy Commander identified problems associated with drug abuse to include physical, psychological and societal effects stating that illicit drug intakes affect Liver, increases criminal activities and risky behavior.
The Deputy Commander urged students to stay clear of Drugs Abuse stating that drug intakes pose serious harm and danger to people.
In attendance at the occasion included Staff/Students of Federal Government Girls College Ezzamgbo, Officials of Ebonyi State National Drug Law Enforcement Agency among others.
