Crime: NDLEA blames drug abuse in Zamfara

NDLEA

NDLEA operatives

Drug Abuse

The Zamfara Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has attributed the rising crime rate in the state to increased drugs abuse among youths, children and women.

“The rising crime rate in Zamfara is closely related to drug abuse by youths, children and women. Once we can check drug abuse, the society will be a better place for all of us,” its Commander, Mr Adamu Eigege, said on Tuesday in Gusau.

Eigege, while presenting some of the illicit drugs seized by the command to newsmen, listed some of the crimes to include cattle rustling, attacks by bandits, armed robbery, kidnapping and prostitution.

He said that most criminals had often relied on drugs “for boldness and courage” to commit crimes, and urged NDLEA operatives to rise to the challenge so as to rid the society of such tendencies.

The official decried increased drug abuse among women and children, and described the situation as “worrisome and unfortunate”.

“The scourge of illicit drugs poses a massive danger not only to the dealers and abusers, but also the society at large.

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“The prevalence of illicit drugs trafficking and abuse in Zamfara is a very disturbing phenomenon because it involves the vulnerable groups such as women and children.

“The abuse of non- conventional and over-the-counter drugs such as cough syrup, codeine is very particularly alarming.

“The magnitude of seizures clearly depicts the threat of this menace; this calls for all hands on deck if we are to help the society,” he said.

He said that the NDLEA was partnering the state government and relevant stakeholders to carry out advocacy activities to sensitise the public, especially rural communities, on the dangers of trafficking and abuse of illicit drugs.

Eigege said that 200 suspected drugs dealers and users were arrested in 2016, with a seizure of 521.9 kilograms of illicit drugs.

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