Reports released by the United Nations Office on Drugs, and the Crime and International Narcotic Control Board, have rated Nigeria over other African countries in cannabis seizure.
The two reports, which comprised 2013 and 2014 records, were presented on Thursday in Abuja by the Head of Psychology Department, University of Uyo, Prof. Isidore Obot.
The don, after presenting the report, said, “Nigeria remains the country with the largest seizures of cannabis in the region, followed by Egypt.”
The reports indicated that cannabis was the most abused drug, while Amphetamine-type stimulant and cocaine, were prominent in Asia and United States respectively.
They also highlighted the consequences of drug abuse on health, public safety, crime, productivity and governance, stating that drug prevention and treatment globally cost $35m.
In his keynote address, the Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mr. Ahmadu Giade, said the agency seized 339,968 kilogramme of drugs valued at N34bn in 2013.
He said, “Illicit drugs seized in 2013 by the NDLEA weighed 339,968kilogramme with an estimated street value of N34bn.”[eap_ad_2]
The chairman urged all stakeholders to support the agency in achieving a crime-free society by counseling the youth, adding that such synergy would also help in forestalling crimes during the 2015 elections.
“We are fine-tuning our strategies to cut off supply of drugs and ensure a crime-free election and a healthy society.
“Drug control measures are more effective when community leaders, families, media and individuals support anti-drug abuse programmes. Parents must monitor their children to prevent drug use and seek early help for those with substance abuse problems,” Giade added.
The Director General of National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control, Dr. Paul Orhii, said the reports would make drug regulatory authorities to cooperate in eradicating drug abuse and trafficking.
Also present at the meeting were representatives of Spain and Russia embassies, World Health Organisation and Economic Community of West African States, among others. (Punch)[eap_ad_3]