PRESS RELEASE
The Deputy Governor of Akwa-Ibom State, Lady Valerie Ebe has urged the National
Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to intensify destruction of narcotic drugs in
the country to promote peace and security. Lady Valerie made the call at the
public destruction of 1,611.6351kg of
illicit drugs at Nung Eton area of Uyo the Akwa-Ibom State capital on Monday by
the NDLEA.
“This event is good for our country especially as we are approaching the
general elections in 2015. I commend the Agency for seizing these drugs from
drug traffickers in the State. I also want them to conduct similar burning of
drugs across the country because we need a peaceful and healthy society to
sustain an enduring democratic structure” Valerie stated.
NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Ahmadu Giade whose remarks was presented
by the Agency’s director of Prosecution and Legal Services, Mr. Sunday Joseph
Nbona stressed that drug destruction is a strategic plan to reduce crime and
violence in the society.
According to the anti-drug Agency, Nigeria is working tirelessly in line
with international drug conventions to ensure that narcotic drugs are only used
for health and scientific purposes. A drug-free society connotes a crime-free
society. Sustainable development thrives best in an atmosphere of peace devoid
of drug abuse.
The Akwa-Ibom State commander Barrister Mrs Ruth Obi called for the
establishment of a rehabilitation Centre in the State. “There should be a place
for people to run to when they are faced with the challenge of loved ones who
are into drugs. We need more Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and
community-based institutions to get involved in public enlightenment and rehabilitation
of drug abusers” Mrs Obi stated.
“NDLEA remains committed to its objectives of preventing drug
production, trafficking and abuse. We shall continue to trace and seize illicit
drug proceeds as well as provide counselling and rehabilitation services to
persons with drug abuse problem” he stated.
The event was in compliance with a court order for the NDLEA to destroy
by public burning narcotic drugs weighing 1,611.6351kg
plus 671 pinches of Cocaine and heroin
which is over 1.6 tons of hard drugs. The destroyed drugs include Cannabis
Sativa also known as Hemp 1,588.87kg,
Cocaine 0.1128kg plus 317 pinches, Heroin is 0.0523kg plus 354 pinches and two ties while psychotropic substance is 22.6kg.
Giade while enumerating the ills of drugs called for a mass action
against drug trafficking. ”The first line of action in crime prevention is
effective drug control. Narcotic drugs are like cancerous growths that spread
to other parts of the body if left unchecked. Drug addiction leads to criminal
behaviour. Drug abuse is closely linked with traffic offences, murder, armed
robbery, assassination, arson, aggravated assault and terrorism. This
underscores the necessity to support drug eradication programmes” he stated.
The NDLEA is currently driving a management change process in
collaboration with the United States Government, the European Union (EU) and
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). There are series of on-going
training programmes for management, middle and lower level manpower to
transform NDLEA into a world class anti-narcotic Agency.
The Agency said that it is focusing on striking a balance between drug
supply control and drug demand reduction having recorded significant success in
drug seizures, arrests and convictions.
Other strategies include the use of music and film in Nigeria to facilitate
the spread of its anti-drug abuse campaign. Accordingly, a Celebrity Drug-Free
Club was also inaugurated to further propagate the message of hope in the fight
to eradicate illicit drugs. Every hand must be on deck in this all-important
campaign.
Ofoyeju Mitchell
Head, Public Affairs
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