The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Taraba State is calling for stronger collaboration to tackle drug abuse and trafficking.
This follows the seizure of 2,530 kg of drugs and the arrest of 382 persons for drug-related offences in the state to date.
The agency says drug abuse is becoming a menace and endemic in the state; especially cannabis sativa, tramadol, codeine-based syrup, methamphetamine, and other psychoactive substances pose serious challenges to the social and economic development of Taraba state.
The Taraba State NDLEA commander, Javanson Kwalma, says despite decades of efforts by government and international organisations, the drug problem remains a major threat to public health, security, peace and development.
”Drug trafficking networks continue to expand their operations across borders, exploiting technological advancements and weak governance structures. The communities continue to suffer the devastating consequences of drug abuse, including addiction, mental health challenges, family disintegration, crime, violence, and loss of productive manpower,” Kwalma said.
”In Nigeria and indeed in Taraba State, we continue to witness the harmful impact of drug abuse on our youth, families and communities. The misuse of substances such as cannabis sativa, tramadol, codeine-based syrup, methamphetamine, and other psychoactive substances poses serious challenges to our social and economic development.”
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Meanwhile, the traditional institution led by the Galadima of the Muri Emirate, Tukur Tukur, described the menace of drug abuse in Taraba as pathetic and wants the government to declare a state of emergency on illicit drug consumption and trafficking.
“We at the community level are at the receiving end of illicit drug consumption, and it is very devastating and menacing and directly affects the nerve system of our society. We are making a strategy to collaborate with the NDLEA and make a vigilante group to provide information on the locations of illicit drug sales and consumption,” Tukur said.
”We are urging the government to declare a state of emergency on drug abuse because it is a big concern and it is devastating our communities as most of our youth are in the dilemma of either dying or being depressed.”
Representing Governor Agbu Kefas at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Drug Abuse, Sale Audu, says the state government has resolved to fight drug abuse to a standstill, especially as the government continues to witness the harmful impact of drug abuse on youths, families and communities.
“Drug abuse has become one of the greatest challenges confronting not just Taraba, but Nigeria in general; it destroys lives, weakens families, fuels criminal activities, undermines productivity, and deprives the youths of their future,” Audu said.
“The increasing involvement of young people in drug abuse is a matter of great concern to every responsible government, and Taraba is not an exception.”
The state government insists that no substance can guarantee or provide lasting solutions to life challenges; instead, it leads to addiction, ill health, poverty, violence, and, in many cases, untimely death. ”
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