By Brave Dickson
The Rivers State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has partnered with the Nigerian Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers, Rivers State to end the pharmaceutical sale of illicit drugs in the state.
At a workshop organised by NDLEA in collaboration with NAPPMED on Thursday, the NDLEA State Commander, Ahmed Mamuda said, “we came to collaborate with them to prevent the proliferation or sale of hard drugs and psychotropic substances.
“We are doing this in line with the directive given by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen, Buba Marwa (retd), to collaborate with our critical stakeholders across the communities in Rivers State.
“We are here to inaugurate the concept WADA: ‘War Against Drug Abuse,’ and to collaborate with NAPPMED because they are with the grassroot. They dispense drugs to people over the counters.
“Our vision in NDLEA is to totally eradicate drug abuse in the country and we are here to prevent the use of those drugs that have been prohibited by law. We have put in so many measures to free Rivers State from illicit drug activities ”
Similarly, the Public Relations Officer of NDLEA, Emmanuel Ogbumgbada said: “First, I must say that this NDLEA and NAPPMED workshop through our WADA campaign is one of our strategies of disseminating information to individuals and groups on the dangers of drug abuse.
“NAPPMED members are involved in the health of people especially at the rural areas. They are the first point of call whenever there is health challenge.
“So, for us, it is very necessary that they get abreast with the right thing to do. And as a matter of fact, NDLEA will always partner with them. Give them information and sensitize them on the dangers of drug abuse, so that they will also help us to sanitize the society of drug menace.”
On his part, the Vice Chairman of NAPPMED, Andy Edimo said: “A lot has been said on illegal drugs. Our work as members of NAPPMED is to go home and put to practice, those measures that will help to control and reduce illicit drug activities.
“As NAPPMED, we have internal taskforce that goes round to advise members on the type of drugs that should be sold. Any drug that alters the psyche is not for you to sell.”
Our correspondent reports that the theme for the workshop is: “The Role Of NAPPMED In Curbing The Menace Of Drug Abuse And Illicit Trafficking.”
