NDLEA seizes Indian Hemp worth N7.7m in Oyo, amidst COVID-19

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Oyo State Command, said, on Wednesday, that it seized 856.7kg of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as Indian Hemp, in the month of April in the state.
The Spokesperson of the command, Mrs Mutiat Okuwobi, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan.
Okuwobi put the value of the psychotropic substance at N7,710,300.
“In spite of the lockdown order in some parts of the country, NDLEA, Oyo State command, recorded a seizure of 856.7kg of Cannabis Sativa in the month of April.
“We should all be watchful before the dealers start bringing illicit drugs/substance abuse to our doorsteps.
“To slow the spread of the coronavirus, the World Health Organisation recommends physical distancing as a protective measure.
“Physical distancing will, therefore, reduce the availability of alcohol and other drugs of abuse, and it is a great opportunity to reduce drug intake and become healthier persons,” she said.
Okuwobi urged parents to be vigilant in order to protect their children against drug abuse.
According to her, substance abuse increases the risk of coronavirus can cause more severe symptoms of COVID-19 in them.
“Those struggling with addiction, particularly from opioid and methamphetamine use, including codeine, rohpnol, alcohol, and those who smoke or take nicotine or marijuana are more vulnerable to COVID- 19 than others.
“We have been made to understand that COVID-19 attacks the respiratory tract and can lead to serious complications, such as pneumonia, respiratory failure and death.
“Therefore, parents and guardians should be aware of this and take precautions to protect their children and wards during this pandemic.
“Also, parents should monitor the exposure of their children to media outlets to counter negative contents, as some media are flooded with harmful information that may stimulate early invitation and increased consumption of illicit drugs,’’ she said.
Okuwobi also warned the public to shun misinformation, particularly such myths that alcohol could kill the coronavirus in the throat.
She said that the command, under the leadership of Mrs Josephine Obi, would continue to raise awareness on the dangers of drug abuse.