The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confirmed that about two million residents of Kano State, in Northern part of Nigeria are drugs addicts, representing 16 per cent prevalence
Penpushing reports that, Chairman, Buba Marwa, disclosed this on Monday when he paid a courtesy visit to Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of the state, adding that the addicts age range between 15 and 64 years
“In Kano State, drug abuse prevalence is 16 per cent; that is, in every six persons, one is a drug addict and they are between the ages of 15 years and 64 years. Kano State has close to two million drug users abusing tramadol, codeine and other cough syrups, rather than cannabis;. Marwa said.
“I will like to mention here that since I assumed leadership of NDLEA in January, we have seized over two million kilogrammes of assorted drugs, estimated at billions of Naira. Eight thousand people were arrested and 1,600 are now serving jail terms in correctional service facilities, and we are still working.Drug abuse has gone to the level of destroying our families unless is tackled with all seriousness it deserves,’’ he said.
Penpushing further reports that, the retired army boss explained that the use drugs propelled criminal activities ranging from banditry, kidnapping and armed robbery, among others in the country.
The Chairman of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said the agency was comfortable that Kano State government was a worthy partner in tackling drug abuse, and urged the state government to make legislation that would prevent politicians from giving drugs to youths.
Penpushing also reports that, Marwa encouraged the government to make legislation on compulsory drug test for intending couples, which he said will be part of measures to fight against drug abuse.
The Governor while speaking, explained that Kano State is the most populous state with highest number of youths and a commercial nerve centre of Nigeria and some West African countries, adding that some use the opportunity to traffic drugs.
“Being commercial centre, some use that opportunity to traffic drugs and you know we have the international airport, railway that link to many states.So, Kano find itself in a vulnerable situation’ .Ganduje said.
Penpushing reports that, the Governor disclosed that it was a policy in the state that commissioners and permanent secretaries must undergo drug abuse tests before getting appointed to reduce drug abuse rate in the state.
Meanwhile, the Governor emphasised that his administration would relocate legitimate drug dealers to a market as part of efforts to check drug abuse and trafficking.
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