Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Enugu State, in collaboration with the MTN Foundation, has carried out an anti-drug abuse campaign in Enugu.
Speaking during the campaign, Mr John Ada-Ogah, Deputy State Commander in charge of operation and intelligence disclosed that no fewer than 400,000 persons indulge in drugs abuse in the state.
He said that cannabis sativa and Meth, popularly known as mkpurummiri, were the most abused drugs in the state.
According to him, the NDLEA, through its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), had reached out to about 135 places, including schools, religious organizations, and working places to create awareness.
“Drug abuse is in the increase in the state, and that is why we now decided to carry out this campaign,” he said.
He said that the drug integrity test conducted showed that, at least, 400,000 residents of the state were into drug abuse.
“This year, we have gotten about over 400,000 people involved in drug abuse in Enugu State; youths were the most prevalent age bracket involved,” he added.
The deputy director said that factors such as peer group pressures were responsible for the rampant cases of youths indulging in drugs abuse in the state.
“They have the curiosity to know what is involved in these drugs.
“The one that is mostly available here, the street name is (Igbo), which is cannabis, then marijuana, and the most worrying type is meth (mkpurummiri).
“Many people are taking it now, and they are going mad on the streets,” Adah-Ogah said.
He lauded the collaboration between the Agency and the MTN Foundation, urging other Nigerians to join in the fight against the menace.
