The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has expressed serious concern over the growing drug abuse trend in Calabar and other urban areas across Cross River State.
Victor Bradford, Deputy Commander of Operations at the Cross River State NDLEA Command, revealed in an interview that their Calabar detention facilities hold a record number of individuals picked up for drug abuse compared to other parts of the state.
He described the widespread involvement in drug use as deeply troubling and a major challenge.
Bradford explained that addressing drug abuse, organised crime, and the illegal drug trade demands urgent, collective action.
To tackle the issue, he said their team had launched several operations targeting key players in the drug trade.
These ongoing actions aim to break the chain of distribution and deal with major suppliers.
He gave assurance that perpetrators driving the rising drug trade in the state would face strict consequences.
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Various stakeholders have also stressed the importance of curbing drug use and building a healthier society.
Speaking during a radio interview on Sparkling FM in Calabar, Dr. Caleb Ekuri, a former President of the Association of Resident Doctors at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, said that organised crime plays a central role in the rise of drug abuse and trafficking.
He made these remarks while discussing the theme Break the Cycle, during the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Dr. Ekuri warned that substance abuse carries harmful consequences for every segment of society.
He called for stronger awareness campaigns and unified, strategic efforts to tackle the ongoing crisis.