National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday lamented that despite efforts of Anambra State Government to reduce drug crimes, circulation and intake of cocaine and heroin are in the increase in the state.
State Commander of the agency, Mr. Sule Momodu, who raised the alarm during the Third Lady Onyido/NDLEA Annual Quiz Award presentation at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka, noted that increased circulation and use of the two dangerous drugs should worry all well meaning Anambrarians.
He said Governor Willie Obiano had made tremendous efforts to ensure reduction of the substances without success, adding that while cocaine and heroin were on the increase, cannabis sativa, known as “Igbo” has decreased.
Momodu disclosed that NDLEA in the state secured 30 convictions of drug offenders last year and commended the governor for his assistance in the drug fight.
He urged Obiano to commence the building of a modern rehabilitation centre in the state and to fulfill his promise of donating five vehicles to the agency, assuring that the vehicles would enable his men to fully cover the state in their operations.
The NDLEA state boss commended Chief Alex Onyido for instituting and funding the quiz competition in the state secondary schools for three years.
In her speech, Commissioner for Education, Prof Kate Omenugha assured that the state government would do everything within the ambit of the law to reduce drug abuse in the state.
Sun