BY AUGUSTINA OKINEDO
Ondo state command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says hard drug usage remains a predisposing factor in the increase of rape cases in the country.
To nib the menace in the bud, the command has arrested no fewer than one hundred and fifty (150) hard drug suspects between January and June 2020.
A total of 7, 702.114kg of hard drugs, comprising 7, 653.445kg of cannabis sativa, 48.669kg of psychotropic substances and 0.06g of cocaine were seized by the agency within the same period.
The state commander, NDLEA, Mr Haruna Gagara, in a statement to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with the theme: “Better Knowledge For Better Care.” said Among the 150 suspects arrested, 138 of them were males, while the remaining 12 were females.
He said drug use is a multi factional health issue and not just a moral failure as such stressing that there was the need for drug dependant people to seek help.
The NDLEA boss disclosed that among the seizures made during the period in view, sixty five (65) bags of cannabis sativa were seized on Friday at Agunla area of Ogbese in Akure North local government area of the state.
He said, “If we must enjoy a drug-free and healthy society devoid of crime, it is imperative that families, government, communities, non govermental organisations, civil society organisations and religious organisations should take necessary steps to counter the rising drug problems in our country.”