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From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is presently in strong partnership with other law enforcement agencies in the country, to totally eradicate Mpkurumiri and other hard drugs consumed mostly by youths in Imo State.
Acting Commandant of the Imo State command of the NDLEA, Abubakar Wali, who briefed newsmen shortly after the opening ceremony of a two days training co-sponsored by the agency and the Advocate For Global Peace Forum International (AGPFI), explained that the synergy was aimed at cutting the supply and demand of illicit drugs from its consumers.
He said the training, which is expected to be monthly, would impact greatly on the law enforcement agents, who he said will, in turn, sensitise the public, especially the youths, on the adverse effects of taking the substances.
While warning the youths, he also regretted that the command has space for only 10 victims at its rehabilitation centre, while the state government on its own had none. He, therefore, appealed to the state government to build the centre to rehabilitate victims.
Earlier, the guest lecturer and state spokesperson of NDLEA, Lamuwa Mohammed, revealed that the Kwara had gradually shot up on the list of states mostly consuming the illicit drugs in Nigeria.
He said: “Imo has become the largest producer of Cannabis and Owerri, the highest producer of Mkpurumiri; if we stop their supply, their demand will go down.”
Mohammed listed some communities and council areas greatly consuming the drugs in Imo state as: Ezinihitte Mbaise, Aboh Mbaise, Ohaji/Egbema, Asa, Enyiogugu, Nguru, Orlu and Oru West. Others he listed are: Umuokani, Mgbidi, Okigwe, Awommama and Douglas in Owerri. Also, he added that the Avu community is fast becoming a hub for hard drug consumption.
