The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kwale Area Commander, Mr. Umar Garba has raised an alarm over new tactics used by drug traffickers in Kwale.
He made this known during the 2024 World Drug-Free Day event in the Ndokwa West Local Government Area of the state.
He described drug traffickers and users as ‘rudely clever, intelligent and swift’, in their attempts to outsmart the agency’s efforts. “Despite our aggressive efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking, criminals continually try to outmanoeuvre us, devising new tactics and routes to evade arrest, making it challenging to completely eliminate the illicit drug trade”, he said.
Highlighting the devastating effects of hard drugs, including mental illness, physical decay, social problems, moral decay, and economic hardship, Umar urged traditional rulers, community leaders, youths, church leaders, and school heads to join forces in the fight against illegal drugs, to combat trafficking and abuse.
In a lecture at the rally, Kwale Assistant Area Commander, Sunday Darlington emphasized that the NDLEA Act of 1889/1990 authorizes the agency to arrest and prosecute drug law violators.
He acknowledged the support of the National Association of Patent Medicine Dealers (NAPMED), and Drug-Free Clubs in the fight against drug peddlers and consumers noting that June 26 is annually observed to raise awareness about the dangers of hard and illicit drugs, cautioning that both use and trafficking have severe consequences for human health and society.
Speaking to our reporter at the NDLEA rally in Kwale, Delta State Chairman of NAPMED, Chief Udukoo George pledged his organization’s commitment to partnering with NDLEA to combat drug abuse and trafficking.
Udukoo warned patent medicine dealers in the state to refrain from selling illegal drugs, emphasizing the need for a sane and decent society. He advocated for continued collaboration between NDLEA, NAPMED, and PCN to combat drug abuse and trafficking, and urged parents and the public to monitor the activities of children and youths and be mindful of what they consume.
