As the world mark international day against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking, the State Commander of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Imo state and a commander of Narcotics Abubakar L Wali has advised Imolites to shun abuse of drugs and pay attention to the theme of the United Nations Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking which is “People First: Stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention”.
He disclosed this at the event organized by the agency to mark this year’s celebration. While addressing students and parents Aon the occasion, he advised that parents should monitor their children and ensure they don’t associate with bad peers who can introduce them to drugs.
While stating the dangers of abuse of substance, he noted that drug abuse has a negative impact on the society and should be avoided. In his remark, the Assistant State Commander Operations and Training of the Command Lamuwa Shehu emphasized that Drug Abuse is a mental health issue and victims must seek help and never to be discriminated against.
Also the First Lady of Imo State and Ambassador of the War Against Drug Abuse WADA Barr Mrs. Chioma Deborah Uzodinma with her NGO – Good Hope Flourish Foundation in conjunction with the Imo State Command of the NDLEA organized a One day Policy Response to Drug Abuse issues for the wives of Imo State Sole Administrators, Commissioners, House of Assembly members, State Executive Council, NGOs and civil society organizations to articulate ideas on how best to tackle the Drug problem that bedeviled our state.
She also promised to work in synergy with NDLEA to fight drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking. The Deputy zonal Commander in charge of Drug Demand Reduction Unit responsible for counseling and rehabilitation of Drug Abuse victims, Dr Chinwe Thompson in the paper she delivered, described substances of Abuse as dangerous materials peddled by our enemies.
While speaking about Role of Parents in the fight against Drug abuse advised parents to imbibe positive parenthood and raise their wards well. Also In his paper the Assistant State Commander Lamuwa Shehu disclosed the Flashpoint of Drug sales in the state and appealed strongly to the State government to assist the Agency through the provision of Operational vehicles like other sister security agencies in the state.
He stressed that despite overwhelming security challenges and lack of working tools, the State government need to have a good policy response to the Drug problem. He advised participants to heed to the theme of the UN DAY against Drug abuse.
The highlight of the event was a public exhibition of all varieties of Drugs seized in the state to give citizens an insight of how to identify hard drugs. The event which lasted for a week was also marked with a road work by the agency to create awareness to the public against the dangers of drug abuse.
