The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, says at least 400,000 residents of Enugu State are into drug abuse.
NATIONAL POST reports that this was revealed by Mr John Ada-Ogah, Deputy State Commander, in charge of operation and intelligence.
Ada-Ogah, who made the disclosure during an anti-drug abuse campaign, in collaboration with MTN Foundation, identified cannabis and Meth, popularly known as mkpurummiri as the most abused drugs in the state.
He said the Agency, through the War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, had reached out to about 135 places, including schools, religious organizations, and working places.
He further stated that drug abuse was in the increase in the state, stressing “that is why we now decided to delve into this campaign."
He said the drug integrity test conducted showed that at least 400,000 residents of the Coal City State were into drug abuse.
“This year, we have gotten about over 400,000 people involved in drug abuse in Enugu state,” he disclosed, adding that the youths were the most prevalent age bracket involved.
On the factor pushing the abusers, he identified peer group pressures, stressing “they have the curiosity to know what is involved in these drugs.
“The one that is mostly available here, the street name is ‘Igbo’, which is cannabis, then marijuana, and the most worrying type is meth, mkpurummiri, many people are taking it now, and they are going mad on the streets.”
He lauded the collaboration between the Agency and the MTN Foundation, urging all other Nigerians to join in the fight against the menace.