Kaduna state Bureau for Substance Abuse, Prevention and Treatment (KADBUSA) has advocated a twin approach towards curbing the high prevalence of drug abuse in the country.
Speaking to journalists to mark the International Day Against Drugs and Substance Abuse in Kaduna on Friday, the agency’s director-general, Dr. Joseph Maigari, said the demand and supply aspects of the problem should be tackled together.
Maigari, who said June 26 was recognised by the United Nations as International Day Against Drugs and Substance Abuse, said this year’s theme is “Better knowledge for better care.”
He said, “The criminal justice and security establishment should prosecute suppliers of illicit drugs, while medical care and social services should take care of the demand side of the problem. Governor Nasir el-Rufai established KADBUSA in recognition of the many social, security and health challenges that drug abuse creates.
“KADBUSA has intensified information, education and communication to Kaduna residents on the dangers of drug abuse. We have done this through radio programmes, radio jingles, billboards installation in Kaduna, Zaria and Kafanchan, lamp post messages.
“The agency has also been doing community engagement and paying advocacy visits and creating awareness on dangers of drug abuse through traditional and new media. We are also constructing four drug rehabilitation centres in Kaduna state.”
Anaedoonline.com reported that The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Oyo State said it has seized 1184.995kg of various narcotic drugs, psychotropics, one local pistol, one Jackknife, one cartridge and secured twenty-seven convictions in the state between January and June 23, adding that the breakthrough followed the agency’s synergy with other security outfits.
The NDLEA State Commander, Mrs. Josephine Obi, made the disclosure yesterday in an interview with Vanguard in Ibadan.
She further said that the agency gave brief intervention to thirty-five persons who were using illicit drugs while seven others were presently undergoing rehabilitation. Obi said:
“Three more were admitted this year while five of them have been discharged.” The commander urged those indulging in hard drugs to shun the act because it could destroy their future, stressing that the agency had renewed its vigour and strategies towards tackling drug challenges in all parts of the state.
She further said: “For those who have people using drugs, don’t abandon or victimize them because it is not the end of life. They can come to NDLEA for advice so as to assist them in the rehabilitation process.”
“NDLEA is always available for any organization, school, and individual for enlightenment on the dangers of hard drugs and their effects.” She assured members.
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