The Kwara State Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mr. Apeh Reuben, on Monday, said the agency had arrested 160 suspects for drug-related offences.
The suspects comprise 132 males and 28 females arrested between July 2015 and June 2016 in the state.
Reuben said drug trafficking had become worrisome while the consumption rate was high, adding that women had joined the drug peddling trade in the state.
The commander spoke in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Monday, during an event tagged, ‘2016 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking.’
The event was organised by the NDLEA in collaboration with the Kwara State Drug Abuse Control Committee.
Reuben said the agency seized 1282.7 kilogrammes of drugs, consisting 1,251.4kg of cannabis sativa, 24.9kg of psychotropic substances; 0.15kg of cocaine and 0.20kg of heroin from the suspects during the period.
He stated that 10 suspects were convicted for drug-related offences at the Federal High Court, Ilorin; 26 drug-dependent persons rehabilitated and 95 drug users counselled.
He identified unemployment, peer pressure, poor home upbringing and inordinate quest to make quick money, as some of the factors responsible for drug abuse in the country.
“The illicit drug situation in the state is worrisome as even women have joined in the drug trade. Cannabis sativa remained the drug mostly abused by youths and adults in the state. New psychoactive drugs with equally dangerous consequences are commonly abused by youths.
“Staying drug free is far better than treating the effects of drugs. However, where drug addiction has become prevalent, prevention remains the only option. Parents are enjoined to bring their children, who abuse drug, for rehabilitation,” Reuben said.
He called on all stakeholders to partner the NDLEA in sensitising people — especially youths — to the dangers of drug abuse and the need to avoid illicit drugs.
He lamented logistics limitation, adding that many officials of the agency had been attacked while carrying out their duties.
The Chairperson, Kwara State Drug Abuse Control Committee, Mrs. Risikat Lawal, said it was imperative to ensure greater sensitisation and awareness on the dangers of illicit drugs.
Commending the state government and other stakeholders for their assistance to the committee, she identified paucity of funds as an inhibiting factor in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in the state.
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