Many authorities in India have told the National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in Nigeria that they are no longer comfortable with
the term “Indian Hemp,” a name that Nigerians nickname Cannab!s Certi, a banned
drug.
Cross River State Commander of NDLEA, Rachel Umebuali,
disclosed this in an interview in Calabar when she reeled out names of local
government areas in the state which have become notorious for illegal drug
consumption and cultivation.
Although she did not disclose the name of the particular
Indian authorities that cautioned them, she added that the Indian authorities
felt the term connotes negativity, and they do not want to be seen as
associated with it.
“This is the reason we prefer and encourage all Nigerians to
call it Cannab!s Certi—what, in street language, is called Kanja, we-we, Igbo,
marijuana, etc.”
Umebuali listed Akamkpa, Ikom, Odukpani, Yakurr, and Calabar
South LGAs as notorious for high consumption of assorted lethal and illegal
drugs.
“There are several new substances that have been discovered.
And Calabar South LGA is actually the hub where hard drugs and other substances
are distributed and consumed in large quantities.
“In Akamkpa, Ikom, and Odukpani LGA, we discovered massive
Cannab!s farms. There are more than 100 hectares of these farms that we have so
far destroyed.
“We noted that many of those cultivating these farms are not
even from Cross River but connived with unscrupulous landowners to give out
these vast lands at agreed fees, and employed locals to work there.”
She disclosed that the cultivation of Cannab!s Certi has
been shifted from states like Edo and Ondo to Cross River and other
hinterlands.
The drug enforcement boss disclosed that in six months, they
have arrested 208 drug peddlers and consumers.
“We arrested 208 drug users. Out of this number, 181 are
male while 27 are female. We seized 3,475.65 kg, translating to 3.5 tons of
hard drugs. Top of these is Cannab!s Certi.”
She vowed that nobody, including traditional, religious, or
political chieftains or drug farms, would be spared in their ongoing clampdown
despite the humongous challenges confronting them.
“As you know, when you fight such criminal elements and
destroy their source of livelihoods, they will fight back. But my mandate is to
curb all drugs-related activities in the state.”
She explained that everyone has the right to arrest
offenders but must hand such over immediately to appropriate enforcement
agencies.
She commended traditional dignitaries and the state
government who have been very supportive in the fight against drug activities.
She mentioned that there are two-pronged sensitization
programmes, including drug demand reduction and drug demand consumption.
She said they seriously need rehabilitation centres to keep
those affected so that they can be detached and reunited with families, adding
that the high number of users is frightening.
“We appeal for public support to be able to penetrate
hard-to-reach communities where drug abuse is prevalent to save innocent
locals,” Umebuali pleaded.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com