‘Enough is enough’ — pharmacists in Kaduna kick against ‘harrassment, extortion’ by NDLEA operatives

The Kaduna branch of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has cried out over the alleged harassment and extortion of its members by agents of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the state.

Addressing journalists on Friday, Sunday Okoh, state chairman of the PSN, alleged that agents of the NDLEA have been intimidating and arresting members of the association in Kaduna.

“We wish to use this medium to draw the attention of the federal and state governments as well as relevant stakeholders and the general public to the incessant harassment of members of the PSN by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kaduna state command for sometimes now and we say enough is enough,” he said.

“All over the planet earth, the rights to medications (life) are fundamental. It is worthy of note that pharmacists are licensed to import, export, mix, compare, dispense, counsel, sell, procure and distribute drugs and poisons (PCN Establishment Act 2022).

“Times without number the NDLEA has unduly, illegally and unprofessionally obstructed and hindered these life-saving roles only to feather their nest, exploit Nigerians, collect bribes and force their victims to give assent that bail is free after collecting millions of naira.

“Law enforcement agents have become lawbreakers. What a shame. Enough is enough, NDLEA. Allow pharmacists to do their work.

“Arresting pharmacists and obstructing bail application in the name of ongoing investigations, confiscating prescription drugs at pharmacies and placing a seal on the pharmacies can no longer go down the throat.”

The PSN chairman called on the national assembly and the presidency to curtail the excesses of the operatives of NDLEA in Kaduna state.

Reacting to the allegations, Samaila Danmalam, Kaduna state commandant of the NDLEA, said the agency does not condone violation of laws by its operatives.

“My only comment is, if you do wrong, NDLEA will not let you go scot-free. If you are doing the wrong thing, the law should take its course,” Danmalam said in a telephone chat.