WAR AGAINST ILLICIT DRUGS: NDLEA CALLS FOR CLOSER COLLABORATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES, STAKEHOLDERS IN LAGOS
Read Time:3 Minute, 0 Second
- Over 90 Tons of Illicit Drugs Seized in Lagos Since November 2022
By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Lagos State Commander of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Umar Isah Adoro has called for increased collaboration with other security agencies and non-governmental organizations in the nation to combat the drug trafficking and abuse problem, which is progressively growing to be a serious issue, particularly among young people.
Drug misuse is a complicated problem that affects millions of individuals worldwide as the users experience stigma and prejudice, which can worsen their physical and emotional health.
In an interview with Hotjist.com, the agency boss, pointed out that, closer collaboration amongst other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders will always be a remedy for preventing illegal use and trafficking of hard drugs in the county while adding that the drug war is everyone’s fight.
He admitted that there have collaboration with other sister agencies but he needs more to be done in order to reduce this illegal act in Lagos State.
“There was never a time that NDLEA says it can do it all alone. We see the society in general as our active collaborators and stakeholders. We’ve always felt that drug war is everybody’s fight and we all have to team up in order to make it together.
“We have a wonderful collaborations with other security agencies and also NGOs, but, I must say that I need more.”
“Our collaboration with the NGOs is smooth as well, as we put our resources to sensitize every part of Lagos. Whenever, we call them, they are always there to respond and also support us in our sensitization and public awareness.”
The commandant said that since he took over the leadership of the command in November 2022 till date, he and his men have been able to remove over ninety tons of drugs in the State.
He added that the agency is not after those that use this drugs but those that are responsible for spoiling them and making this drugs available.
He said, “I took over the leadership of this command in November 2022. In that month, 159.335kg was removed from circulation in Lagos State. In December 2022, 8,285.26kg was removed and that is over 8tons.”
“In January 2023, we removed 10tons, precisely 10,825.214kg while in February, we got 4,119.285, in March, 1,152.661kg, in April, 1,330.179, May, 9,385.26kg, June, 2,672.652kg.”
“However, in July, we got 7,844.756kg while in August, we intercepted 45,441.61kg but we have not finished compiling the ones for September 2023 as the month is still fresh. We do the compilation at the end of each month between the first and second week of a new month”
He advised everyone that are into the use of illegal drugs to desist while urging them to come for counselling and rehabilitation, as the agency is willing to be of assistance at any point in time.
“The use of drugs is cursive and destructive,” he said.
He added that, “The agency has phone lines that are toll free for those that needs help or counselling. There are policies that we extend help to those that needs our help and they don’t have to pay a dime.”
He assured that, anyone who calls for help will be assisted by experts who would then advise them.
He however, noted that the agencies will not relent until they are able to curb the menace of illegal drug peddling and usage in Lagos State and Nigeria at large.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
100 %
1
0