LAGOS NOVEMBER 20TH (URHOBOTODAY)-Narcotic drugs mainly cannabis valued at 133 million naira have been burnt to ashes by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Lokoja the Kogi State capital. The Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency, Ahmadu Giade and the Kogi State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Honourable Steven Tayo Aremu led other invited guests in setting ablaze 13,372.209kg of drugs.
The NDLEA boss who expressed satisfaction with the destruction exercise said that cannabis is the most abused drug in the country. “We have a total of 13,372.209kg of drugs for destruction this morning. Cannabis Sativa otherwise called hemp constitutes the largest chunk of the drugs with 13, 319.829kg. Diazepam is 3.40kg, Rohypnol is 180grms, Tramadol is 850grms and Volatile Solvent 47.950kg. These statistics attest to the fact that cannabis is the most abused drug in the country. I am satisfied with this public burning of drug exhibits aimed at promoting national peace and security” Giade stated.
Kogi State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Honourable Steven Tayo Aremu who represented the Governor pledged support for drug control programmes in the State. According to Aremu, “Kogi State government is happy that these dangerous drugs seized by the NDLEA are being destroyed. This will promote peace in the country and we are prepared to assist the NDLEA in the State to achieve greater results. Working to eradicate illicit drugs from the society is in the interest of all”.
The Kogi State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Idris Bello in his welcome address said that 576 suspected drug traffickers were apprehended in the State since January 2014. “We have arrested 576 suspected drug traffickers since January 2014. Out of this number, 89 have been convicted while other cases are still pending. The command also provided counseling services for 191 persons with drug abuse problem in the State” Bello stated.
Kogi State is a crucial gateway between cannabis cultivating States in the South West and the northern States. Some spectacular seizures of cannabis made were exhibited in pictures while vehicles with false compartment used in smuggling drugs were brought to the venue of the destruction.
Giade emphasized the need for public support in the fight against drugs. “Drug trafficking is associated with money laundering, violence, organized crime and terrorist activities. The use of drug influences criminals to perpetrate dastardly acts. Parents must be knowledgeable and educate their children on the dangers of drug trafficking and abuse. Teachers must sensitize students to the threat of endangering their career by indulging in drug trafficking and abuse. Opinion leaders, local and international organisations must lend their voices to the anti-drug campaign” The NDLEA boss stated.
Highlight of the event was a drama presentation on the destructive power of drugs by members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Drug Free Club in Lokoja. The Agency assured members of the public that it would remain focused and committed to its strategic objective of a drug-free Nigeria. Parents were told to identify and enlighten their children on drug abuse risk factors. Such predisposing factors include, peer pressure, wrong counsel from friends, lack of parental supervision, availability and abuse of drugs. Others factors include ignorance, desire to experiment with drugs, poverty and frustration. Persons with drug abuse problem were advised to seek counseling and rehabilitation services.
Those who were at the ceremony include the Kogi State director of Prosecution, Mrs. Ruth Alolo Alfa, Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Paul Okafor and Honourable Ruben Jubelo among other dignitaries.