Communities Impose N10m Fines On Illicit Drug Consumption As Mental Cases Increase
By Missang AKPET
The trafficking and abuse of drug abuse has become a pressing concern in numerous communities within Cross River State, posing a significant threat to the health, social, and economic well-being of individuals, families, and society at large.
The current generation is facing an unprecedented rise in drug use, with millions of people, particularly youths, falling prey to this menace.
This has given rise to various societal issues, including petty stealing, armed robbery, prostitution, infections, mental health cases, and shattered dreams.
The most commonly abused substances include cannabis, marijuana, laud, cocaine, heroin, and prescription medications, with ease of access, peer pressure, and socioeconomic factors contributing to the rapid spread of drug abuse.
Recent reports reveal that petty stealing has been on the rise as a result of drug use, as youths are compelled to engage in stealing to sustain their drug habit, which can be quite expensive.
According to interactions with some youths in the Ikom local government area of Cross River state, several individuals attributed their involvement in drug abuse to peer pressure, societal issues, and depression.
A recent report by the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) revealed that drug use is most prevalent among males between the ages of 20 to 50.
Furthermore, with the rapid entrance of drugs into rural communities and their acceptance by youths, the number of drug users may double within the next three years.
Given the growing acceptance and indulgence in drugs, the question on everyone's mind is how drug usage continues to multiply rapidly despite campaigns from various quarters and efforts by the NDLEA. How can we curtail this?
Deputy Commander Nandi Roslyn Ada, the Officer in Charge of Drug Demand Reduction at the NDLEA Cross River State Command, opined that to curb drug usage, the chain of supply must be truncated, making it no longer possible to access drugs easily.
She emphasized that the main reason drug use is prevalent is its availability and ease of purchase, hence the need to tackle the supply chain.
She stated that the fight against drug abuse should not be left solely to the NDLEA but that all stakeholders have a role to play in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.
Recently, some communities in Ikom and Etung local government areas in Cross River State have taken proactive steps by enacting strict laws against drug abuse and peddling, with severe sanctions and penalties.
Communities like Okuni and Akam in Ikom Local Government Area have warned that anyone caught abusing drugs will be arrested and required to pay a fine of N5m, while traffickers will be required to pay N10m if caught.
In addition to enforcing penalties, our rural communities also require education and public awareness campaigns to educate communities about the dangers of drug abuse.
Notably, almost all drug awareness campaigns are conducted in cities, leaving rural areas vulnerable. The fight against drug abuse necessitates a collective effort from governments, communities, families, and individuals.
It is crucial that Nigerian communities take proactive steps to address this menace, protect their youth, and create a healthier, safer, and more prosperous society for all.
