From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) is presently in strong partnership with other law enforcement agencies in the country to totally eradicate Mpkurumiri and other hard drug consumed mostly by youths in Imo State.
Acting Commandant of the Imo State command of the NDLEA,Abubakar Wali who briefed newsmen shortly after the opening ceremony of a two days training co sponsored by the agency and the Advocate For Global Peace Forum International (AGPFI) explained that the synergy is aimed at cutting the supply and demand of illicit drugs from its consumers.
According to him,the training which is expected to be monthly will impact greatly on the law enforcement agents who he said will in turn sensitise the public especially the youths on the adverse effects of taken the substances.
While warning the youths,he also regretted that the command has space for only ten victims at its rehabilitation centre while the State government on its own had non. He therefore appealed to the State government to build the centre to rehabilitate victims.
Earlier,the guest lecturer,and State spokesperson of NDLEA,Lamuwa Mohammed revealed that the State is gradually shooting up on the list of States mostly consuming the illicit drugs in Nigeria.
He said “Imo has become the largest producers of Cannabis and Owerri the highest producer of Mkpurumiri,if we stop their supply,their demand will go down.
Mohammed listed some communities and council areas greatly consuming the drugs in the State as : Ezinihite Mbaise,Aboh Mbaise,Ohaji/Egbema,Asa,
Others he listed are : Umuokani,Mgbidi,Okigwe Awommama and Douglas in Owerri. Also he added that Avu community is fast becoming a hub for the hard drug consumption.