NDLEA, PCRC Caution Rivers Students against Drug Abuse

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in collaboration with the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) have cautioned students of the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) in Port Harcourt, against taking illicit drugs.

As part of efforts to ensure an illicit drug free environment, the agency in collaboration with the PCRC organised a one -day sensitisation programme for the students with the slogan “War Against Drug Abuse.”

Speaking at the programme, Assistant State Commander, Drug Demand Reduction Unit, NDLEA Rivers State command, Mrs. Stella-maris Amede, said they were partnering with the PCRC in the campaign, to see how to jointly tackle the challenge of drug abuse among the youths.

Amede said “We are here for “War Against Drug Abuse (WADA). We are here to sensitise the students to live a healthy live, because when you are into drug you are a sick person and this drug (Colos) is commonly everywhere now. So we are here for them to walk away from taking of the drugs.

“We are partnering with PCRC to talk to the students. We are doing alot, going to schools, organisations and communities sensitising the young ones against intake of illicit drugs.”

Speaking with THISDAY at the end of the campaign, the Chairman of PCRC, Rivers State chapter, Mr. Voke Emore, regretted that the influence of drug abuse had destroyed so many young people in the society.

He said drug abuse has contributed to the rising crime in the society, alleging that entertainment industry have contributed heavily in influence the youths into such illicit drugs intake through their music.

“The PCRC thought it wise that one of the causes of rising crime in our communities is drugs. We know for a fact that drugs influence wrongly to our community and to the youth in our community, so we decided to preach against drugs.

“So we partner with the NDLEA, we feel that this collaboration between parties like this will only create positive impact.”

“We are preaching against the entertainment industry that have encouraged drug abuse. A lot of music you hear on radio and social media encourage young ones to take more drugs and we are starting this campaign.

“We are taking it as a responsibility to talk against drug abuse. The musicians must end their music with warning that drug abuse is wrong and not to encourage it.”