Marwa: Over 2,000 persons treated for drug-related illnesses in five months

Buba Marwa, chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says over 2,000 persons have been treated for drug-related ailments between January and May.

Speaking on Saturday at a book launch, he said no fewer than 5,000 suspected drug offenders were arrested within the first five months of the year.

The book, titled, ‘Victory in Defeat: The Manifestation of God’s Power’, is authored by Larinde Laoye, a retired brigadier-general of the Nigerian Army.

Marwa said 500 convictions have been secured, while 2,303 individuals were counselled and treated for drug-related problems within the period under review.

He said more than two million kilogrammes of assorted drugs were seized and over N90 billion worth of drugs and cash recovered.

According to the NDLEA boss, the statistics of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking recorded by the agency in the first five months of the year calls for sober reflection.

“These statistics are alarming and are red flags about the need to safeguard the future of the young generation,” NAN quoted Marwa to have said.

“This is to awaken your consciousness to the urgent need for every citizen of Nigeria to support the NDLEA in its efforts to save our country from the menace of abuse and trafficking of illicit substances.

“We must attach some urgency to the need to rid our society of the drug menace. That is why we are advocating a new social order where drug test becomes the norm for couples as part of the wedding rites.”

Marwa said the agency is also advocating for drug tests for students that want to gain admission into tertiary institutions, as well as for government employees.