Cross River Seeks Community Help In War Against Drug Abuse

CALABAR, June 29, (THEWILL) – The government of Cross River State has renewed calls for the active involvement of communities in the fight against drug abuse.

Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Mike Aniah made the call in Calabar while delivering a keynote address at the 2012 United Nations International Day against Drug Trafficking.

He described as apt, the theme of the year’s celebration, Global Action for Healthy Communities without Drugs, which focused on promoting good health conditions among various communities by shunning drug abuse.

He noted that most of the ills in the society were perpetrated by people under the influence of drugs, arguing that one way of tackling the malaise if for people to strive for a drug-free Society.

The SSG listed efforts of the administration in fighting abuse of drugs to include provision of qualitative education, free medical care for pregnant women and children under the age of five and sustainable development programmes.

He assured that the government would continue to support the State Drug Control Committee (SDCC) and State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), to enable them function effectively.

In his welcome address, the state commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Kayode Adeniyi said the Command arrested 283 persons within the last one year for unlawfully dealing, peddling, possessing and trafficking in dangerous drugs, while over 289.23 kilograms of cannabis sativa (Hemp) and 51.1 grams of cocaine, among others, were seized.