The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in partnership with the pro-democracy group Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT), has unveiled a startling revelation in the heart of Abuja. They have exposed a community known as Abattoir, where hard drugs are being sold with shocking ease, resembling the sale of everyday food items.
This revelation follows a comprehensive investigation conducted by NACAT, which uncovered Abattoir’s status as a major hub for the sale of illicit drugs like Crack, Codeine, Molly, Tramadol, Refnol, Rochi, Arizona, Loud (Canadian and Ghanaian loud). Situated near an animal market in the Karu axis of Abuja, close to the boundary between the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nassarwa State, Abattoir has been exposed as a hotbed of illegal drug activity.
In response to these disturbing findings, the NDLEA and NACAT jointly conducted a sensitization campaign within the Abattoir community. This campaign included a road-walk during which the Abuja Command of the NDLEA displayed various banners and placards with messages such as “Friends Don’t Let Friends Do Drugs,” “Spot the sign, break the chain,” “Your Potential is Limitless Without Drugs,” “Love Yourself: Break Free from Substance Abuse,” and “Say no to drug trafficking.”
Stanley Ugagbe, the Operational Manager of NACAT, addressed the media during this awareness effort. He referenced Section 11, Part II of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, which strictly prohibits the importation, manufacturing, production, processing, planting, or growing of drugs like cocaine, LSD, heroin, or any illegal substances without lawful authorization. Ugagbe issued a stern warning to the residents of Abattoir against the use of hard drugs and emphasized the availability of legitimate alternatives for making a living.
Furthermore, Nduka Augustine, the NDLEA FCT Command’s officer in charge of sensitization, commended NACAT for their campaign against the perils associated with drug use, trafficking, and peddling. The joint efforts of NDLEA and NACAT aim to raise awareness about the grave consequences of drug-related activities within the community and encourage individuals to pursue lawful and meaningful endeavors.
