Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has called for more stringent legislation against drug dealers and offenders as part of efforts to curb drug abuse in Nigeria.
The Governor made the call while receiving the new State Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for Abia, Mr. Joseph Owoputi, who paid him a familiarisation visit at the Government House.
Governor Otti stressed the need for a decisive crackdown on drug cartels to cut off the distribution chain of illicit substances. According to him, more than 90 percent of crimes are linked to drug abuse, and as such, harsher punishments would serve as strong deterrents.
“We just need to crack the drug cartel. So, if you crack the drug cartel, then the crime disappears. Unfortunately, the law is a bit lenient on the use of drugs. Whenever you apprehend somebody using drugs, you counsel and rehabilitate the person. That’s not enough punishment. We need to lobby and get tougher laws passed at the National Assembly. If you are not dealing with the source, you are just wasting time,” the Governor said.
He noted that drug abuse continues to ruin the lives of many young people, with some dropping out of school as a result.
As part of his support to the NDLEA, Governor Otti announced the approval of two new Hilux vans for the agency and directed that abandoned vehicles belonging to the Command be recovered and repaired by the state government.
Earlier, Commandant Owoputi praised Governor Otti’s support to the agency, describing him as a dependable ally in the fight against drug abuse. He disclosed that between June and August, the Abia Command arrested 65 suspects, seized 82 kilograms of illicit substances, secured seven convictions, and had 12 cases currently in court, with 38 individuals undergoing rehabilitation and counselling.
Owoputi appealed for more operational vehicles to strengthen the agency’s performance while pledging to consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor.
The meeting was attended by top security aides, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander McDonald Ubah (Rtd); GM/CEO, Abia State Homeland Security Board, Col. Chidi Kalu Ukoha (Rtd); and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Homeland Security, Medical and Fire Emergency, Mr. Chukwunenye Alajemba, among others.
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