NDLEA confiscates 2,530kg of Illicit drugs, arrests 382 suspects in taraba

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, traditional institutions and local communities to combat the growing menace of drug abuse and trafficking in Taraba State.

The appeal follows the seizure of 2,530 kilogrammes of illicit drugs and the arrest of 382 suspects for various drug-related offences between January and July this year.

Speaking during a drug abuse awareness programme, the Taraba State Commander of the NDLEA, Javanson Kwalma, described drug abuse as a growing public health and security concern in the state. He said the widespread misuse of cannabis sativa, tramadol, codeine-based syrups, methamphetamine and other psychoactive substances continues to threaten public health, security and socio-economic development.

According to Kwalma, despite decades of efforts by governments and international organisations, drug abuse and trafficking remain major global challenges.

He noted that drug trafficking networks have continued to expand across borders by exploiting technological advancements and weak governance structures.

“The communities continue to suffer the devastating consequences of drug abuse, including addiction, mental health challenges, family disintegration, crime, violence and the loss of productive manpower,” he said.

He added that the abuse of substances such as cannabis sativa, tramadol, codeine-based syrups, methamphetamine and other psychoactive drugs has continued to negatively impact youths, families and communities across Taraba State.

Also speaking at the event, the Galadima of the Muri Emirate, Alhaji Tukur Abba Tukur, described the increasing rate of drug abuse in the state as alarming and urged the government to declare a state of emergency on illicit drug consumption and trafficking.

He said traditional institutions bear the brunt of the social consequences of drug abuse and pledged stronger collaboration with the NDLEA to curb the menace.

“We at the community level are at the receiving end of illicit drug consumption. It is devastating and directly affects the fabric of our society,” he said.

The traditional ruler disclosed that the emirate was developing strategies to work closely with the NDLEA, including establishing community vigilante groups to provide intelligence on locations where illicit drugs are sold and consumed.