The Kwara State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raised an alarm that motor parks in Lagos, Oyo, Abuja, and other cities have become hotspots for drug shipments. This disclosure was made in Ilorin during the MTN Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) stakeholder conference themed “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses.”
NDLEA Commander Speaks on Drug Trafficking Channels
The NDLEA Kwara State Commander, Fatima Popoola, stated that illicit drug dealers in the state frequently obtain their supplies from Lagos, Oyo, Abuja, and other locations through commercial bus operators. She highlighted the difficulty in combating this channel because some drivers, believed to be financially motivated, often evade checkpoints. The menace, she noted, has become deeply entrenched in society.
Use of Tinted SUVs and Youth Crime
Popoola further revealed that aside from commercial bus drivers, some peddlers also use tinted SUVs to transport banned substances. She emphasized that most crimes committed by the youth are linked to drug abuse. “We are calling on parents and community leaders to take due care of their young ones,” she urged.
Call for Corporate Participation
The commander called for increased corporate involvement in Nigeria’s drug war to achieve better results. She acknowledged that MTN’s one percent annual deduction after tax has significantly contributed to its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme in this regard.
Commissioner Commends MTN Foundation
The Commissioner for Social Development, Nnafatimah Imam, also praised the MTN Foundation for its advocacy efforts toward a drug-free society.
