ABIA — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has called for stiffer legislations against drug dealers and stricter punishments for drug-related offences, insisting that tougher laws are key to curbing rising crime and drug abuse in Nigeria.
Otti made the call when he received the Abia State Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Joseph Owoputi, at his country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
The governor, who expressed concern over the growing rate of drug abuse among Nigerian youths, argued that cracking down on drug cartels would cut off the supply of illicit substances and drastically reduce crime across the country.
“We just need to crack the drug cartel. If you crack the drug cartel, then crime disappears. Unfortunately, the law is a bit lenient on the use of drugs. Whenever you apprehend somebody using drugs, you counsel and rehabilitate the person — that’s not enough punishment,” Otti said.
He stressed that over 90 percent of crime is linked to drug abuse, urging the National Assembly to enact stringent laws that would dismantle drug networks and serve as a deterrent to young people.
Worried about the number of students and youths being destroyed by substance abuse, the governor pledged full support for NDLEA’s fight against the menace. As part of his commitment, he approved two new Hilux vans for the agency and directed the state government to recover and repair all NDLEA’s abandoned vehicles.
Governor Otti assured the new Commandant of his administration’s unwavering partnership in stamping out drug abuse and trafficking in Abia State.
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