National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, yesterday led other stakeholders on a sensitisation road walk against drug abuse and trafficking.
The event is part of activities to commemorate the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
The International Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is celebrated on June 26, and the theme for this year is: “The evidence is clear, invest in prevention”.
The NDLEA Commander, Mr Okechukwu Nkere, said the campaign is aimed at creating awareness on the dangers of substance abuse.
“The NDLEA wants to help the public to live a healthy drug free life through the sensitisation campaign.
“There is no gain in drug abuse, N100 drug can ruin a life, many are dying while others are in psychiatric hospitals as a result of drug abuse,” he said.
According to Nkere, religious leaders are the major stakeholders in terms of creating awareness of the danger of drug abuse.
“This is because we cannot be everywhere in Gombe, but once we enlighten them, they can take the message to the people,” Nkere said.
He urged the Gombe residents to key into the state government’s project on drug abuse, to save the lives of the younger generations.
He recommended for proper medical treatment of drug victims to effectively control the menace.
“The problem is, instead of taking the victims to rehabilitation centre, they try to manage the case at home.
“We have a functional rehab centre which is the cheapest in Nigeria, you can sponsor one person, he doesn’t have to be your relations,” he said, adding that the Agency conducted 79 sensitisation exercises with different groups.
Nkere said the sgency had seized 2,112.295 kilogramme of drugs including 2,020.473 kg of Marijuana and 91.822kg Psychotropic substance.
He said the agency also arrested 152 suspects, secured 51 conviction, 117 pending cases and counselled 124 clients.
The road walk which commenced from Tashan-Dukku terminated at the Gombe Emir’s Palace, was attended by various groups comprising NYSSC members and Civil Society Organisations among others. (NAN)
