NDLEA Raises The Alarm Over Drug Abuse Among Youths In Taraba

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in Taraba State has alerted residents of the distribution and abuse of Methamphetamine, commonly known as ‘ICE,’ in the state.

Highlighting the severity of the situation, the State Commander, Nanzing Daniel Sallah, disclosed the alarming trend on Friday in Jalingo, the state capital, during a sensitization program aimed at principals of public secondary schools in the state.

Emphasizing the urgent need for action to combat drug abuse, he urged parents to remain vigilant of their children’s activities.

He said, “the new trend in Taraba State is the trafficking and abuse of methamphetamine, popularly called ICE. We discovered that youths are avoiding cannabis or alcohol because their parents can easily perceive the smell. They are now turning to ICE because it is odorless.”

He further revealed that despite efforts to intercept the drug, it has permeated various areas, particularly Jalingo, the state capital.

Sallah highlighted the agency’s ongoing efforts to disrupt the drug’s supply chain and acknowledged the challenges posed by its influx from other regions.

Addressing the issue of prescription medication misuse, Sallah advocated for collaboration with stakeholders such as the National Association of Patent Medicine Dealers, NAPMED, to strengthen enforcement and awareness initiatives.

He also proposed the establishment of drug-free clubs in schools across the state to empower students to combat drug abuse effectively.

Aligning her weight to that of the Commandant, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr Augustina Godwin, announced plans to establish guidance and counseling units in all schools to address the scourge of drug abuse.