The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has yesterday
destroyed 19,234.58 kilogrammes of seized drug exhibits in Maiduguri,
the Borno state capital.
The destroyed fire drug exhibits, comprise cannabis sativa and a
variety of psychotropic substances in bags and cartons.
While destroying the 20,000 ton illicit seized drug Friday along Dikwa
road, Maiduguri, NDLEA’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Col. Muhammad
Abdullah disclosed that the symbolic importance of event was to ensure
that all seized drugs are permanently put out of circulation,” noting
that this will stop it from doing any further harm to society.
According to him, the exercise, was to further decimate merchants by
burning their illicit investments in drugs, while they spend years in
prison.
He added that an order must be granted by Federal High Court that will
enable the agency destroy seized drugs by public burning.
“Today (Friday) marks the public burning of all seized drugs that
their cases have been concluded,” he said.
Speaking on drug abuse, he said: “Relative to the population of Borno
state, with well documented nexus between drugs and violent crimes,
the quantity of seized drugs over years, is worrisome.”
He said that apart from the destroyed drugs, there is still large
quantities of drugs that their cases are pending in court.
According to him, the drug situation in Borno, is compounded with
proximity to neigbouring countries of Chad, Niger and Cameroon.
“The abuse in illicit drugs in the state, is further compounded by the
porosity of borders,” he warned, noting that 10 tons of Cannabis was
intercepted in Maiduguri metropolis.
He noted that several drug seizures, arrests and convictions of drug
dealers in the state, validated the position of hard drugs in the
state.
“This is a conflict multiplier that exacerbates Boko Haram insurgency,
violence, crimes, cultism on University campuses and domestic
violence,” he declared.
He said it a source of concern considering the state of insecurity in
the state and entire northeast.
The situation, according to him, has become alarming, as the nefarious
traffic in drugs, is fast expanding among male youths.
Continued; “Currently, the vulnerable groups, include teenage girls,
young women, and even older married women; who are mothers of
children.
“These women are supposed to be custodians of discipline at homes to
nurture their children and to be responsible adults,” he noted.
He said a new policy initiative, is underway to ensure that the
country overcomes the twin problems of illicit traffic and abuse of
drugs.
He also added that the agency is partnering with religious leaders to
make drug test a pre-requisite for marriages in Mosques and Churches.
On overcoming drug abuse, he said: “We need investment by setting up
treatment and rehabilitation centres. This will restore the integrity
of drug dependent persons, who should be useful to society again,”
adding that while parents remold the character of their children and
wards.
According to him, parents should not shirk their responsibilities to
teachers and religious leaders, who reinforce their roles.
He therefore, urged other security agencies to sustain the synergy,
because the consequences of drug abuse do not discriminate.
Governor Babagana Zulum, also declared that illicit drug abuse and
trafficking, are matters of great concern to both state government and
its citizens.
He said that students and youths, have resorted to drug abuse, without
considering its devastating consequences on health and the society.
He pledged that the state government will continue to collaborate with
stakeholders in fighting drug abuse and trafficking in communities.
“The NDLEA must be supported in curtailing drug abuse among youths and
women,” he said, noting that government will partner with the agency
in curtail, production, sale and consumption of drugs in the state.
Meanwhile, he added that the state government will provided an office
and residential accommodations for personnel of agency.
