Records of drug offences in Nigerian courts show how deep drug abuse/trafficking has eaten into the fabric of society.
According to counsel to NDLEA, Lagos State Command, Jeremiah Aernan, the rate of hard drug abuse by youths has become alarming.
Aernan also blames the trend on peer group influence which, he believes, pushes some youths into cult activities, with a resultant effect of illicit drug use.
According to him, while some youths go into drug abuse with a view to having an experience, due to their inquisitiveness, others become drug barons for financial benefits.
If you check the volume of hemp consumed daily in Lagos alone, you find that it is more than 100 bags”, he stated. So, if someone selling hemp can make a profit of N3,000 or more per day, do you think such a person will wish to stop? he queried.
The use of restricted drugs or substances and trafficking them have undoubtedly gained notoriety among some Nigerian youths, with many being caught in the web of its negative consequences.
Medical experts constantly warn that drug abuse may lead to social, physical, emotional and job-related problems.
According to National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), any drug with psychotropic effects is listed as restricted. Also, the National Drug Use Survey 2018 indicated that 14.3 million Nigerians representing 14.4 percent of the countrys population used psychoactive substances aside from alcohol.
Aernan called for collective efforts towards tackling the menace. He blamed the ugly trend partly on the influence of social media.
Recall that the NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, had recently called for stiffer penalties for drug trafficking by removing the option of fine for drug offenders. According to him, the hard drug problem in Nigeria is massive.
Concerned stakeholders have called on parents, guardians, caregivers, school management, religious leaders, non-governmental organisations, corporate entities and others to join forces with governments to check drug offences to save the youth tomorrows leaders from their evil consequences.
They also urge changes in policies and legislation that will stem the tide of drug offences.
