Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade has vowed to put an end to the abuse of narcotic drugs and unconventional substances like rubber solution, petrol, lizard dung and pit toilet in Kano to get high. The NDLEA boss made the disclosure at the public destruction of 20,949.411kg of narcotics in Kano at the weekend.
“We are determined to stop the abuse of narcotics and unconventional substances such as rubber solution, petrol, lizard dung and pit toilet all in a bid to get high. All hands must be on deck to protect lives from destruction. It is unhygienic, harmful and unacceptable. We will not fold our hands and watch our youths get involved in such unworthy practices” Giade stated.
Official statistics of the NDLEA show that no female was caught for drug trafficking and abuse in Kano State IN 2011 even as the State maintains its position in the annual list of arrested drug suspects. Unlike in 2010 when 618 males and 20 females were arrested in connection with drug trafficking; all 1,281 suspects apprehended in 2011 in the State were males.
The destroyed drugs jointly seized by Kano State and Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport Commands consist of 20,248.973kg of cannabis also known as hemp. Psychotropic substances followed with 688.622kg, Cocaine is 11.221kg and Heroin 595.47grames. The last public destruction of drug exhibits in Kano State was in 2008 when 5,154.295kg of drugs were burnt. The 20,949.411kg of drugs destroyed shows that in the last four years, an average of 5,000 kg of drugs is forfeited annually in the State.
Giade’s address was presented at the event by the director of prosecution and legal services of the Agency, Mr Femi Oloruntoba. According to the NDLEA Chairman, “in 2011, Kano State arrested 1,281 male drug suspects. Though no woman was arrested, we consider the trend worrisome because family stability is threatened when men abandon their responsibilities. Family members also suffer untold hardship when the man is facing criminal prosecution”.
Kano State Deputy Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje regretted that the State which is noted for agriculture and commerce is leading other States in drug arrests. In his words, “we find it disturbing that Kano which is the centre of agriculture and commerce has the highest number of drug arrests in the country. This shows clearly that we must work individually and collectively in making the State drug-free. The heap of drug for destruction indicates that the NDLEA is working hard towards a peaceful society. The State government will continue to support the Agency in addressing the drug problem”.
The NDLEA Kano State Commander, Mr Sumaila Ethan in his welcome address pledged his determination to arrest drug barons and seize their drugs. “Between January and August 2012, the NDLEA commands in kano made a seizure of 2,233kg of drugs and arrested 458 persons. Out of those arrested, 110 offenders have also been convicted by the law courts. We shall not relent in bringing drug traffickers to justice” Sumaila assured.
Giade also explained that destruction of drug exhibits is one of the strategies of keeping the society drug-free. He promised to partner with relevant groups in the society in averting what he described as avoidable destruction of lives. “The Agency will continue to work with governments at all levels, non-governmental organisations, families and individuals. We shall continue with our family, school and workplace drug abuse prevention programmes”.
