Drug addicts percentage in Kano State population has rapidly risen to 16 percent; that is, out of every six persons, one is a drug addict and they are between the ages of 16 years and 64.
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Chairman, Buba Marwa, on Monday, in Kano said that the state has about two million drug addicts, representing 16 percent dominance.
Mr Marwa made the statement when he paid a visit to Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State.
“In Kano State, drug abuse prevalence is 16 per cent; that is, in every six persons, one is a drug addict and they are between the ages of 15 years and 64 years.
“Kano State has close to two million drug users abusing tramadol, codeine and other cough syrups, rather than cannabis.
“I will like to mention here that since I assumed leadership of NDLEA in January, we have seized over two million kilogrammes of assorted drugs, estimated at billions of Naira.
“Eight thousand people were arrested and 1,600 are now serving jail terms in correctional service facilities, and we are still working.
“Drug abuse has gone to the level of destroying our families unless is tackled with all seriousness it deserves,’’ He said.
The chairman said that the use of drugs fuelled criminal activities ranging from kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery, among others.
Mr Marwa said that NDLEA was assured that Kano State government was a competent ally in combating drug abuse. He urged the state government to make legislation that would prevent politicians from giving drugs to youths in the upcoming 2023 election.
Mr Marwa also urged the government to make it compulsory for every intending couples to undergo a drug test, also as measure of fighting drug abuse.
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