Marwa seeks monarchs’ support against drug abuse

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (retd.), has called on traditional institutions, parents and community leaders across the country to partner with the agency in tackling substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

A statement on Saturday by NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said Marwa spoke at the 10th Akinale Day celebration and the first coronation anniversary of the Towulade of Owu Akinale, Oba Oluseyi Adediran.

Marwa made the call following the recent discovery of industrial-scale clandestine methamphetamine laboratories operated by a Nigerian-Mexican drug cartel in the forests of Ogun and Oyo states.

He urged royal fathers and community leaders, particularly in the South-West, to pay close attention to the activities of strangers within their communities and forests.

According to Marwa, prospective buyers of farmlands in rural areas must be properly screened to prevent criminal elements from exploiting isolated locations for illicit drug production.

“Royal fathers and community leaders in the southwest and the country as a whole must pay attention to activities of strangers in their forests. Also, those seeking to buy farmlands in rural communities must be properly vetted,” he stated.

Marwa said drug abuse cuts across all social classes and communities, making it imperative for parents to monitor their children closely and identify early signs of substance abuse.

He urged youths to shun illicit drugs, describing substance abuse as a false escape that only worsens personal and societal problems.

He also charged the royal council and community leaders in Owu Akinale to establish community-based advocacy networks aimed at making the town hostile to drug traffickers while supporting persons battling substance dependence.

The NDLEA boss stressed that the agency could not win the war against illicit drugs without the active support of traditional institutions, whom he said are better positioned to understand and influence young people at the grassroots.

Marwa said the appeal became necessary following the recent discovery of industrial-scale clandestine methamphetamine laboratories operated by a Nigerian-Mexican drug cartel in the forests of Ogun and Oyo states.

The event was attended by political leaders, traditional rulers and other dignitaries.