The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered a growing trend among youths in Borno who resort to consuming unconventional substances to achieve a state of intoxication, raising concerns about the extent of substance abuse in the region.
NDLEA commander of narcotics in Borno, Iliyasu Mani, disclosed in a statement on Thursday that these youths have taken to drinking fermented human urine preserved for days, as well as ingesting substances such as lizard dung, camel urine, Lipton soaked in gin, mentholated spirit mixed with soft drinks, and even inhaling toilet fumes and gutter dirt.
Expressing his concern, Mr Mani stated, “Let me state categorically here that these new psychoactive substances that are commonly abused today include cannabis sativa, skunk, cough syrup with codeine; Ice, Tramadol, Rohypnol, Diazepam, Pentazocine, rubber solution, glue, gutter dirt, toilet fumes, lizard dung.”
The NDLEA commander acknowledged the agency’s challenging battle against drug abuse, particularly with the involvement of young teens and women in the abuse of these unconventional substances. Despite the challenges, he emphasized the agency’s commitment to addressing the issue through preventive measures.
“The issue of substance abuse is even getting challenging, especially with the involvement of young teens in the abuse of new psychoactive substances, especially women,”
Mani remarked. He went on to highlight the agency’s efforts, including the establishment of a remodelled counselling/rehab center within the premises of the Borno state command.
Providing statistics on their actions, Mr Mani stated that the command had seized 4.5 tonnes of illicit substances, leading to the arrest of 863 suspects.
Out of these, 53 had been convicted, while 736 are currently undergoing counselling. Additionally, drop-in centers have been established across all tertiary institutions to serve as drug abuse research centers, indicating a multi-faceted approach to tackling the issue.
As Borno grapples with this unconventional substance abuse crisis, the NDLEA remains vigilant and proactive in its efforts to curb the rising tide of drug abuse among the youth.