25 Drug Dependent Persons Rehabilitated In Four Months- NDLEA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says it rehabilitated 25 drug dependent individuals from January to April 2023 in Imo.

Commander of the NDLEA in Imo, Mr Abubakar Wali, said this at a workshop on drug abuse management, jointly organised by the Goodhope Flourish foundation, and the Imo Ministry of Women affairs, as part of activities marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Wali said that the Agency also trained 78 teachers and 50 security personnel on drug abuse prevention and management in the last one year.

He added that the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, in partnership with the NDLEA, and the MTN foundation, would train an additional 30 teachers in Imo for its unplugged programme which is an evidence-based school drug prevention project in July 2023.

He appreciated Mrs Chioma Uzodinma, wife of Gov. Hope Uzodinma, for facilitating the ongoing reconstruction of the Agency’s dilapidated rehabilitation centre and promised to make maximum use of the facility upon its completion.

Speaking, the Command’s Assistant State Commander, Operations and Training, Mr Lamuwa Shehu, decried the spate of stigmatization against drug users and called for changes in the attitude of people toward them.

This, he said, would afford drug users a greater sense of belonging and improve their chances of receiving help.

Also, Mrs Edith Thompson, the Deputy Zonal Commander, Zone “L”,  called for a people-centered approach to the problem of drug abuse.

Mrs Uzodinma, represented by Mrs  Obiageri Anyaehie, called for a collaboration between stakeholders in the fight against drug abuse to foster a non-judgmental atmosphere which would in turn, provide avenues for necessary interventions.

According to her, early detection, intervention and treatment are vital in the fight, hence the need for all hands to be on deck for best results.