Agency worries over involvement of children in drug abuse

The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kano State, says it has taken necessary measures to curtail drug abuse among children.

The Commandant, Alhaji Hamza Umar said at a news briefing on Thursday in Kano, that the agency was worried over the increase in the number of children involved in drug abuse in the state.

Umar said the NDLEA operatives have recently arrested eight children of about 12 years in age, using rubber solution, cough syrup, alcohol and other illicit substances.

He said that the children were arrested in different locations "where they live independent of parental supervision.''

The commandant said that the suspects would be handed over to the state Hisbah Board, for counselling and further action.

"We are not in the position to charge them to court, because we can only charge hard drug users to court,’’ Umar said.

He said adolescents and women have formed the habit of abusing cough medicines, rubber solution and other substances which cause them to misbehave.

Umar therefore solicited the support of parents, traditional and religious leaders as well as communities, in the fight against drug abuse.

The commandant advised parents to always monitor the movement of their children to avoid bad influences from friends.