In a startling revelation, Taraba State has emerged as a hotspot for illicit drug consumption, with the age group between sixteen and forty-six being the most affected.

The disclosure, as noticed by The Guardian, came from the state Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nanzing Sallah, while playing host to the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Taraba council.

Sallah highlighted that the prevalent drugs include Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana), Codeine, Tramadol, and Methamphetamine (Ice), attributing the alarming trend to the activities of drug traffickers who use the state as a transit point.

He was also observed to have gone ahead to connect the high rate of criminal activities in the state to drug abuse.

Underscoring the NDLEA’s commitment to addressing the issue, Sallah reported numerous arrests and seizures of hard drugs in the state.

He commended the state government for its promise to establish a rehabilitation center, emphasizing the importance of such facilities in rehabilitating and counseling drug abusers.

Recognizing the crucial role of the media in the fight against drugs, Sallah welcomed the Nigeria Union of Journalists, acknowledging their timely visit.

He pledged the NDLEA’s dedication to collaborating with the NUJ, believing that such a partnership would help publicize the agency’s activities and restore the state’s tarnished image.

Earlier, the NUJ state chairman, Mathew Jen, expressed the journalists’ intent to partner with the NDLEA.

Applauding the agency’s efforts to combat drug abuse in the state, he assured the NDLEA of the journalists’ commitment to providing extensive coverage to achieve the common goal of a drug-free Taraba State.
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