Date: 2016-06-21

The Commander of Kwara State command of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Reuben Apeh, has decried the high involvement of women in illegal drug trafficking in the state.

Apeh, at a joint press briefing yesterday in Ilorin, with members of Kwara State Drug Abuse Control Committee (KWADACC), said unless prompt enlightenment campaign on inherent dangers in drug trafficking is intensified and sustained, it could lead to dehumanisation of female dignity and honour.

For the NDLEA boss, the crave for quick wealth and joblessness among the youth could not be divorced from the higher involvement of the female in the outlawed transactions.

He said: "The drug situation in the state is worrisome as women have joined in the drug trade. In the months under review, (July 2015-June 2016), 28 female suspects were arrested.

Female involvement in drug crime is prevalent because they want quick money. Many of them are not from good homes. From our investigations many of them have no husbands and they don't even want to marry. I want to be careful not to label many of them prostitutes. They always hang around men for information. We need effective campaigns against this vice to save our women."

Apeh said Cannabis Sativa formed the highest quantity of seizures made by his command within the year under a review. According to him, 1,251.402kg of the substance were seized, just as 24.94kg of psychotropic substances impounded.

Besides, he said 28 dependent persons were rehabilitated, while counseling services were offered to 95 drug users.He added: "Drug use disorders are preventable and treatable. We equally know that prevention is better than cure. Staying drug free is far better than treating the effects of drugs. However, where drug addiction has become prevalent prevention remains the only option. Parents are enjoined to bring their children that are abusing drug for rehabilitation."

For Apeh, his command had since embarked on combing the state for any discovery on any farm growing Cannabis Sativa with an unconfirmed presence of the banned plant in an unnamed location in Kwara North Senatorial district of the state.

Besides, he said his men apart from mounting surveillances in border towns around Okuta, Baruten, Kiama and Chikanda all Kwaran settlements with Benin Republic, added that proper enlightenment campaigns would follow suit.

He lamented some vicious attacks on his men in the course of carrying out their legitimate duties but noted that the development would not deter him until the state is free of illegal drug activities.

Chairperson of KWADACC Mrs. Risikat Lawal commended the efforts of the state government in fighting drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking but she canvassed more financial supports for the organisation for effective discharge of the duties of the members of the committee. For Lawal the theme for the year International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking; 'Listen First,' would be used to help the youth live a drug free life.

She said no pharmacist in the state would ever embark on the sale of drugs that are without prescription when such drugs are not over the counter as such would not only be a misconduct but passive participation in drug abuse.