The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Rivers State announced the seizure of codeine-laced cough syrup valued at approximately ₦4 billion over the past two weeks.
During an event commemorating the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at her command, Stella Ngwoke, the Commander at Onne Port, highlighted the significant demand and supply dynamics observed in the state.
Ngwoke urged relevant stakeholders to join efforts in combating the misuse of cough syrups containing codeine, which are increasingly popular as psychoactive substances among youths aged 15 to 24.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government pledged on Wednesday to allocate funds to support NDLEA’s fight against drug abuse and trafficking nationwide. Representing President Bola Tinubu at the year’s celebration in Abuja, Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, assured of the government’s commitment to reducing substance abuse statistics by mobilizing resources for the agency.
President said, “I enjoin all and sundry to support the War Against Drug Abuse initiative, otherwise known as the WADA campaign, launched by NDLEA three years ago. I commend and urge everyone to redouble efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking in the country.
“On this score, I wish to reassure you of this administration’s support. The Renewed Hope Agenda places the youth at the centre of its focus. Therefore, we ensure that our young people are protected from anything that could derail their future or destroy their potential.”
The President also called for the prioritisation of evidence-based prevention strategies for drugs in the country.
“In the face of such a formidable challenge, prevention is the most potent weapon to deploy. Prevention not only saves lives; it also saves resources that would otherwise be spent on treatment and rehabilitation.
“The assignment before us as a country requires that we prioritise evidence-based prevention strategies, allocate adequate resources and foster partnerships for greater impact.”
Peter Obi Calls For Stringent Punishment For Drug Traffickers
In celebration of the day, a former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, called on FG, to hand out capital punishment to drug traffickers, as a way of stemming the tide of the menace in Nigeria.
Obi who made the call in a series of tweets on X on Wednesday, also advised the federal government to invest in rehabilitating those already caught in the web of drug abuse.
He said, “Today is set aside by the global community to commemorate the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. It is a day set out to strengthen actions that will rid society of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
“We must, therefore, seek to save our nation from the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. More efforts must be channelled into preventing the spread of this virus.
“The government should invest in rehabilitating those already caught in the web of drug abuse and stringent punishment meted out to drug traffickers. With commitment and sincerity of action, we can achieve a drug-free nation in a New Nigeria that is possible.”
On May 9, the Senate proposed replacing life imprisonment with the death penalty for drug trafficking offenses, reflecting Nigeria’s transition from a transit point to a significant producer, consumer, and distributor of illegal drugs among its over 200 million population.
The widespread abuse of opioids like tramadol and codeine-containing cough syrups persists, despite the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s 2018 ban on codeine syrup. Cannabis is cultivated domestically, while cocaine, methamphetamine, and other drugs are trafficked, exacerbating addiction.
The Senate’s proposal, stemming from a committee report, seeks to dissuade traffickers by imposing the threat of capital punishment. However, some lawmakers express concerns over the irreversible nature of the death penalty and its potential for wrongful convictions.
Previously passed by the House of Representatives without the death penalty provision, the bill requires reconciliation between the Senate and House versions before reaching President Bola Tinubu for approval.