NDLEA declares Anambra among states with high drug abuse rates in Nigeria

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says Anambra is among the states with a high prevalence of drug abuse cases in the country.

Daniel Onyishi, Anambra State commander of the NDLEA, stated this when he led officers on a visit to the wife of the Anambra State governor, Nonye Soludo, on Friday in Awka.

Mr Onyishi lamented that the growing drug abuse cases in the country called for concern.

“In 2018 alone, the agency intercepted 3.38 tons of drugs in Anambra State,” Mr Onyishi stated. “According to statistics, Nigeria alone has a 14.4 per cent drug abuse prevalence rate, as against the global 5.5 per cent world prevalence rate.”

He disclosed that the visit was to welcome Mrs Soludo as the Anambra State Drug Control Committee chairperson.

“This committee will be an action-driven crusade that will see to the complete elimination of drug use in Anambra state,” he said.

Responding, Mrs Soludo said she was prepared to work with the agency and lead the ongoing fight against drug abuse.

“These are scary statistics, and we need a more sincere and committed approach to the war against drugs, beginning with identifying the producers of these deadly substances.

“I promise to work closely with the agency, advocate for a stronger community involvement in the fight and the need to follow up every case until justice is served,” the governor’s wife said.

(NAN)