BY JOEL GRANDBALL/UGHELLI
THE Chief Superintendent of Narcotics, Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ughelli Area Command, CSN Paul Okoh has disclosed that drug abuse by youths has become a pressing issue in the country, and fast becoming nature that is leading youths to crimes .
He made this known during a seminar held at Afiesere community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
According to him: “The NDLEA is leading the charge against drug abuse in Nigeria through strategic enforcement of its mandate programs.
He said: “Drug is abused when it is not medically approved or prescribed by a qualified medical practitioner or when it is used excessively and such drug is prohibited by the law.
“In Ughelli there is high intake of hard drugs and the effects on our youths creates a worrisome situation that requires urgent collaboration amongst stakeholders in order to reverse the trend and ensure peace, security and sustainable development in our communities.
Speaking further, Okoh disclosed that most youths are lured into drug abuse due to lack of orientation, idleness and peer groups.
“Drug abuse causes sudden death, destitution, prostitution, loss of work, family disintegration, kidney, liver damage and crimes such as armed robbery rape, kidnapping, murder and terrorism but if there is constant orientation, community engagement and rehabilitation centers, it can be reduced”.
“We are appealing to youths to visit our offices nationwide for Drug Integrity Test initiated by NDLEA Chairman, BubaMarwa in order to avoid domestic violence.”
A repentant hard drug addict, Mr. Orugba, who lamented his role in taking hard drugs said, “I regretted the time I wasted on taking hard drugs just to satisfy my emotional urge and please my age group.
“I have returned back to my mechanic work where I am my own boss and appealing to youths disengage from taking hard drugs as it will lead them to nowhere rather they will be involved in robbery, kidnapping and rape.
“I don’t want to go back to how I was initiated into the system because it was an experience; on my own because I suddenly closed down my workshop and was moving from one village to the other.”
