Dialogue 365, NDLEA Call For More Sensitisation On Hard Drugs Consequences

A group, Dialogue 365, and the Nigeria Drug and Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have called on Nigerians to be proactive in sensitising the youths against drug abuse.

The Convener, Dialogue 365, Comrade Waheed Saka, spoke on Wednesday, at a press conference in commemoration of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug at the NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel, Osogbo, Osun state.

Saka who commended the government for the enactment of legislations against drug trafficking, addiction and abuse, expressed concern over the enforcement of the legislations which he said has been one of the major issues in the fight against the scourge.

He said the campaign of the group is aimed at preventing teenagers from abuse of drugs by nurturing them through the most vulnerable time of their lives.

“Despite the challenges posed by drug, we have no doubt as an organization that the impact can be mitigated through organized preventive actions which is why we are leading the campaign to prevent greater number of younger ones from abusing drug.”

The convener said the #JustSayNo campaign will spread information among community members by organizing town hall meetings to raise awareness of the negative impact of drugs and promote healthy lifestyle.

He urged everyone to key into the campaign which, according to him, has a serious link with drugs, Kidnapping, terrorism and violence.

He assured that the organization will work with the media and the drug enforcement agency in order to achieve its purpose.

In a release issued by the Osun state Commander, NDLEA, Mr Samuel Egbeola, the drug enforcement agency said the theme for this year is; Health for Justice, Justice for Health.

He said, “the day is supported by individuals, communities and various organizations all over the world.

He disposed that the agency has achieved in the arrest and prosecution of suspects between June 2018 and this year.

“During this period, 208 suspects made up of 186 males and 22 females were arrested, 2,424.77kg of illicit drugs made up of 2,290.771kg of cannabis sativa and 133.999kg of psychotropic substances were seized.

“Two vehicles used in committing drug offences i.e. in carrying drugs were seized. In terms of convictions, the command seized 26 and also organized drug enlightenment campaigns in both secondary and tertiary institutions in the State. 10.45 hectares of cannabis farm was destroyed in the State.