The Ugoni community in Ebonyi State has backed the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) over the dismantling of an alleged industrial-scale methamphetamine laboratory in the community, urging the agency to identify and prosecute all those connected with the operation.

The community, through the Patron of the Ugoni Youth Development Union, Chinonso Obasi, condemned the alleged production of illicit drugs in Ugoni Okposi Okwu, insisting that the community neither supports nor harbours criminal enterprises.

Obasi, who spoke at a press briefing in Abakaliki yesterday, commended the NDLEA officers who reportedly dismantled the facility, particularly Deputy Commander Kabiru Zakari of the agency’s Special Operations Unit, who he said led the operation.

He called for a thorough, professional and impartial investigation into the establishment and operation of the alleged laboratory, stressing that those found responsible should face the full weight of the law after due process.

“Methamphetamine is a highly dangerous and addictive illicit substance with devastating consequences for individuals, families and communities,” Obasi said.

The community also urged the NDLEA and other security agencies to deepen their investigation and identify all persons allegedly connected with the operation. Obasi said the community was prepared to cooperate with the authorities in efforts to rid the area of illicit drug production and trafficking.

According to him, the intervention was particularly important because illicit drug laboratories could expand their networks if allowed to operate undetected, exposing communities and young people to serious social, economic and public health consequences.

While disowning the alleged criminal activities, Obasi appealed to the authorities not to stigmatise the entire community over the actions of individuals, stressing that the alleged activities of suspected criminals should not become the identity of Ugoni.

“Ugoni Community does not stand with criminals. Ugoni stands with peace, lawfulness, responsible enterprise, youth development and the rule of law,” he said.

Obasi also commended the NDLEA leadership under its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), for its continued efforts to combat the production, trafficking and abuse of illicit drugs in Nigeria.