NDLEA seeks coordinated approach to tackling drug abuse

Nigeria’s drug law enforcement agency is seeking a coordinated approach at combating the menace of drug abuse and human trafficking.At a one-day workshop on the twin issues, key players underscored the place of intensified advocacy in prevention of the crimes and rehabilitation of victims.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency last week, busted a cocaine warehouse in Lagos containing crack worth an estimated N193 billion.

It is considered the biggest singular cocaine seizure in the history of Nigeria’s anti-narcotic agency.

A National Drug Use Survey in 2018 found out that: 14.3 million Nigerians between 15 and 64 years use psychoactive substances. Also, one in seven persons had used psychoactive substances other than tobacco and alcohol.

The survey also found out that one in every four drug users is female while one in five persons who use hard drugs in Nigeria suffer from drug use disorders.

Experts say human trafficking is a one hundred and fifty bilion dollar per year industry in Nigeria with ninety nine billion dollar from sexual exploitation.

Human trafficking and drug abuse are interlinked and Nigeria, like many African countries, serves as a major transit point for drugs like cannabis, cocaine, tramadol and amphetamines.

This one-day workshop on Drug Abuse and Human Trafficking prevention campaign is aimed at training the trainers on the ills of the menace while taking the sensitisation train to the grassroots.

For the NDLEA, the drug menace cuts across all ages, religions, socio economic status, gender and regions.

The agency advocates collaboration to reduce or stamp out drug abuse in the country.