The House of Representatives has directed the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security agencies to go after the manufacturers, peddlers of Crystal Meth, popularly called ‘Ice’ and ‘Mkpurumiri’.
The House, which issued the marching order on Thursday during plenary, charged the NDLEA to commence an enlightenment campaign on the devastating effects of crystal meth on the society.
This adoption followed the motion by Henry Nwawuba, member representing Mbaitoli/Ikeduru Federal Constituency of Imo State, on “urgent need to sensitise Nigerians on dangers and widespread use of crystal meth on our youths.”
Nwawuba, in his motion, said there is an epidemic of crystal meth in the country, with the youths as the primary victims.
“Crystal Meth is a crystal narcotic hallucinogen that is capable of destroying a person’s mentality… an estimated 75 per cent of the users in our society are adversely affected, and they have become a burden to their families and communities.”
According to him, many homes in the South East are currently facing the dangers and effects of the illicit drug.
He noted that the drug could give false confidence and hopes to the users to the point that they become bold and fearless.
“There are videos (on users) in social media; in one of such videos, a user actually beheaded a human being,” he added.
Contributing to Nwawuba’s motion, Lynda Ikpeazu from Anambra State warned that the situation could turn Nigeria into a zombie nation if nothing is done to battle it.
“In the next 10 years if we don’t stop it, we are going to have a zombie society. In my constituency, you will see 11 years old person taking meth. What kind of future are we expecting these youths to have? We are going to have doped up society, zombie society. That is not good for us.”
The House further resolved to increase the 2022 budget of the NDLEA to enable the agency to step up the fight against illicit drugs in the country.
