In a startling revelation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Taraba State has emerged as a hotspot for illicit drug consumption, with those between the ages of 16 and 46 years mostly affected.

Commander of NDLEA in the state, Nanzing Sallah, disclosed this, yesterday, when the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Taraba Council, visited him in Jalingo.

Sallah highlighted that the 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 also connected the high rate of criminal activities in the state to drug abuse.

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

The commander commended the state government for its promise to establish a rehabilitation centre, emphasising the importance of such facilities in rehabilitating drug abusers.

Recognising the crucial role of the media in the fight against hard drugs, Sallah welcomed the NUJ leadership, acknowledging their timely visit.
He pledged NDLEA’s dedication to collaborating with NUJ, believing that such a partnership would help publicise the agency’s activities and restore the state’s tarnished image.

Taraba NUJ Chairman, Matthew Jen, expressed the journalists’ intent to partner the NDLEA in its bid to end drug trafficking and abuse.
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.