Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has urged the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to push for stronger laws with tougher punishment for drug-related offences.
He said such measures would help discourage young people from taking drugs and reduce drug abuse in the country.
The governor also called for a serious crackdown on drug cartels to stop the spread of illegal substances. He explained that over 90 percent of crimes are linked to drug abuse, so fighting the cartels would reduce criminal activities.
Governor Otti made these remarks when the new NDLEA State Commandant, Mr. Joseph Owoputi, paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
According to Otti, the existing law is too soft on drug use. He recalled learning during a security council meeting that drug users are often only counselled and rehabilitated after being caught. He argued that this is not enough punishment.
He stressed the need for the National Assembly to amend the law to make it stricter. “If you don’t deal with the source of the problem, you are wasting time,” the governor said, adding that drug abuse is ruining the lives of many young people, some of whom can no longer remain in school.
Governor Otti assured the new Commandant of his administration’s full support in the fight against drug abuse. He announced the approval of two new Hilux vans for the agency and ordered that NDLEA’s abandoned vehicles in the state be retrieved and repaired by the government.
In response, Commandant Owoputi thanked the governor for his support and praised his achievements in office. He revealed that between June and August, the command arrested 65 suspects and seized about 82 kilograms of illicit substances.
Owoputi added that seven convictions had been secured, 12 cases were still in court, and 38 people were currently undergoing counselling and rehabilitation in the NDLEA facility.
