NDLEA Vows To Clampdown On Patent Medicine Dealers Selling Illicit Drugs In Osun

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Osun State Command, has warned members of the National Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPPMED) against dealing with illicit drugs in the state.

The Osun NDLEA Commander, Chidi Nnadi, gave the warning during a one-day seminar for the patent medicine dealers in Osogbo, on Wednesday, vowing that any member caught will face the true wrath of the law.

Nnadi said the workshop was part of the effort to address the upsurge in drug abuse, particularly psychotropic substances.

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The Commander noted that there is a need for stringent measures by the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) and NAPPMED to sanction erring members who are bent on sabotaging the efforts of the upright members.

He said: “The upsurge of drug abuse, particularly psychotropic substances, is frightening. Hence, the call for a workshop.

“The need to shun greed and deal only with genuine and over the counter drugs cannot be stressed enough. The command will only partner with members with positive mindset and those who are desirous of a drug free society.

“The agency appreciates the important role NAPPMED is playing in providing and complementing the services of the primary healthcare in rural dwellings, engage in revenue generation, create job opportunities and referrals, among other salient roles in our society.

“Against this backdrop, there’s need for stringent measures by Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria (PCN) and NAPPMED to sanction erring members who are bent on sabotaging the efforts of the upright members.”

Speaking at the workshop, the Guest Speaker, Dr. Jide Sarki from Osun State University Teaching Hospital (UNIOSUNTH), Osogbo, noted that there can’t be drug abuse when there’s nothing wrong with prescription, saying patent medicine dealers have a crucial role to play in curbing the menace.

Sarki noted that some youths use drugs for pleasurable reasons, noting that 20 per cent of Nigerian youths are involved in drug abuse.

He claimed that most patent medicines sellers deal in illicit drugs because of their love for money.

The medical expert warned youth to desist from drug abuse, saying it  can damage their whole body and brain. 

Sarki also urged NAPPMED leadership in the state to expose the quacks among them for sanction from the appropriate authority and agencies.