Inadequate funds and lack of logistics have been identified as major impediments preventing National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Yobe State.
The State Commander (NDLEA), Apeh Reuben stated this while commenting on the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on Wednesday in Damaturu.
He said NDLEA has seven Area Commands in the state, noting that accessing these commands is very difficult due to the remoteness of the areas; hence the need for adequate logistics to enable the agency performs optimally.
“The command needs the support of everybody in Yobe, be it from the state government, non-governmental organizations or private individuals with timely information and logistics support as these would further enhance the success of the command,” he appealed.
On Boko Haram insurgency in the state, Apeh disclosed that Yobe State Command of the NDLEA had succeeded in cutting terrorists’ drug supply chain drastically through sustained efforts in recent time.
“The command between July 2018 and June 26, 2019 had seized 942.023kg of Cannabis sativa and 37.648kg of psychotropic substances such as Tramadol, Codeine based cough syrup, Diazapam, Exol 5 among others totalling 976.671kg.
“Under prosecution, a total number of 23 convictions were secured and 20 pending cases are at various stages of trial, while 132 clients were counseled,” the commander added.
According to Apeh Reuben, the command remains committed to combating issues associated with illicit drug trafficking and abuse in the state.
The 26th of June every year is a day set aside by the United Nations to be observed as International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in order to raise awareness on dangers associated with drug abuse.
The 2019 edition of the day comes with a theme: Health for Justice, Justice for Health”, was deliberately chosen by the UN as justice and health are two sides of the same coin when it comes to addressing drug problems.
