The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), Chairman, Brig-Gen. Buba Marwa(rtd), has disclosed that Kano State has about two million drug addicts, representing 16 percent prevalence.
Marwa made the disclosure when he paid a courtesy visit to the State governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, yesterday, in Kano.
“In Kano State, drug abuse prevalence is 16 percent; that is, in every six persons, one is a drug addict and they are between the ages of 15 years and 64 years”, he stated.
The agency’s boss said since he assumed leadership of NDLEA in January, the NDLEA has seized over two million kilogrammes of assorted drugs, estimated at billions of Naira.
Marwa said that the use of drugs propelled criminal activities ranging from banditry, kidnapping and armed robbery, among others.
Marwa urged the State government to make legislation that would prevent politicians from giving drugs to youths.
He also urged the government to make legislation on compulsory drug abuse tests for intending couples, also as part of measures to fight against drug abuse.
At the Emir of Kano’s palace, Marwa solicited for the support of the emirate in addressing the menace.
Walin-Kano, Mahe Bashir-Wali, who represented Emir Aminu Ado-Bayero, assured Marwa of the emirate’s support in the on-going fight against drug abuse.
