As the world commemorates the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day, residents of Port Harcourt have expressed concern over the rising rate of substance abuse and its impact on public safety, particularly among youths.
Many residents say the growing consumption of illicit drugs is fueling criminal activities, street violence, and insecurity across the city, urging government authorities and security agencies to take stronger and more coordinated action before the situation worsens.
Speaking with our correspondent, some residents noted that the abuse of hard drugs among young people is destroying lives and contributing significantly to crime, as many users resort to illegal activities to sustain their addiction.
“The rising rate of substance abuse is creating serious security concerns. It is destroying the lives of our youths and increasing insecurity in society. Whatever the government is doing to tackle insecurity generally, attention must also be given to these internal issues because they pose threats within the community,” a resident said.
Another resident stressed that many criminal acts are committed under the influence of drugs.
“These criminals we are trying to combat in Rivers State often operate under the influence of drugs. They know they cannot carry out such acts in their normal senses. Criminals are selling drugs to other criminals. Government needs to step in urgently. The rate of crime, thuggery, and street violence in Port Harcourt has become alarming,” the resident added.
Meanwhile, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it is intensifying efforts to combat substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Rivers State.
The NDLEA Commander in the state revealed that cannabis sativa, popularly known as “Igbo,” and methamphetamine are among the most commonly abused substances in the state. He added that investigations are ongoing to identify and dismantle illegal laboratories involved in the production and distribution of illicit drugs.
“Substance abuse in Rivers State is gradually being brought under control. The NDLEA is doing its best to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking. The influx of drugs from other states into Rivers has reduced significantly. The drugs mostly in circulation are cannabis, popularly called ‘Igbo,’ and methamphetamine. We will continue to develop intelligence aimed at uncovering clandestine laboratories,” he said.
The agency also disclosed that several measures have been introduced to address drug abuse, including counselling, treatment, rehabilitation, and public enlightenment programmes.
“The Drug Demand Reduction Unit has been divided into two departments — Counselling, Treatment and Rehabilitation, which focuses on helping people addicted to drugs, and the Public Enlightenment and Sensitisation Department, which creates awareness against drug abuse. When substance abuse is reduced in society, other crimes can also decline significantly,” he added.
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Rising substance abuse among youths in Port Harcourt is fueling crime and insecurity, prompting residents to call for urgent government intervention as NDLEA intensifies its crackdown on illicit drugs.
