...DESTROYS 6,795.213KG OF DRUGS
PRESS RELEASE
The
Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
Ahmadu Giade has commended the establishment of Katsina State Council Committee
for the fight against Drug Abuse amongst Youths and the proposed construction
of a Rehabilitation Centre by the Katsina State Government. Giade gave the
commendation during the public destruction of forfeited drug exhibits in Katsina
weighing 6,795.213kg with an
estimated street value of 120 million naira.
“The
establishment of the Committee to fight against drugs is highly commendable. Drawing
members of the Committee from government ministries and security agencies has
also contributed to the success of the fight against drugs in the State. I hope
to be personally present at the Foundation laying ceremony of the proposed
Rehabilitation Centre which will take care of the needs of persons having
challenges of drug addiction” Giade stated.
According
to the NDLEA boss who was represented by the Agency’s director of prosecution
and legal services, Mr. Sunday Joseph Nbona, the Agency is encouraged by the huge
support of the State government and other stakeholders in drug control. The total
weight of the destroyed drug is 6,795.213kg.
This is made up of Cannabis Sativa which is commonly referred to as Hemp with a
weight of 5,878.990kg and psychoactive substances that weighed 916.223kg.
Katsina
Governor, Ibrahim Shehu Shema said that the State is prepared to strengthen its
partnership with the NDLEA to prevent its youths from addiction to illicit
drugs. In the words of the governor who was represented by the Honourable
Commissioner for Health, Alhaji Munir Talba, “the problem of insecurity cannot
be effectively tackled without addressing the problem of drug abuse. Katsina
State shall continue to collaborate with the NDLEA. Let me also use this
opportunity to charge parents to teach their children to make healthy choices
and shun drug trafficking”.
NDLEA
Katsina State Commander, Hajia Maryam Gambo Sani in her welcome address promised
to sustain the command’s grass root enlightenment campaign programme. “The
command will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Information in
sensitizing members of the public particularly the youths on the devastating
effects of drugs. Let me appeal to those who already have drug abuse problem to
take advantage of our free counseling services in the State” she stated.
The
Chairman Katsina State Inter-Faith Committee, retired Justice Isa Dodo pledged
the support of the judiciary towards the eradication of narcotic drugs in the
State. He emphasized the importance of community participation in drug control activities
and charged the NDLEA not to relent in the anti-drug trafficking campaign.
Giade
in his remarks listed some negative effects of drugs which include brain
damage, addiction, crime and terrorism. “Narcotic drugs are powerful habit
forming substances that affect the brain leading to dependence. It jeopardizes
the cultural, political and socio-economic life of a people. Drug use decreases
ethical and personal values. It increases domestic violence, loss of jobs,
violence and criminality. Some people commit crimes in search of money to
sustain their drug supply while others kill and terrorize innocent citizens
under the influence of drugs” he stated.
He
promised to break the vicious cycle of drugs and crime through public burning of
illicit drugs, anti-drug abuse education and forfeiture of illicit drug
proceeds.
Ofoyeju
Mitchell
Head,
Public Affairs
08034088136
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