NDLEA warns youths against use of drugs

Mr Ama Imalegwu, the Assistant State Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in Anambra, has warned youths against the use of drugs.

Imalegwu gave this advice in an interview with our reporter on Wednesday in Awka.

He said some youths, who engaged in taking hard drugs as a way of life, found themselves there without knowing its implications, urging parents to be alive to the upbringing of their children.

According to the NDLEA commander, the dependence on drugs is a disease and mothers should be close to their children and advise them appropriately.

Imalegwu said that the health implications of taking hard drugs were many and every drug when abused, could have negative effects on the user, which might even lead to death.

He said the symptoms of drug addiction include, sharp change in the normal behaviour of the affected individuals, unusual boldness, body odour, bully traits among others.

Imalegwu said that if parents and guardians watched their children and wards closely and discover some of these traits, they should start to counsel them or send them to rehabilitation centres.

He said that victims of drug abuse should not hesitate to go for medical treatment, as according to him, there is a centre, where they can be treated and rehabilitated in the state.

The NDLEA officer urged the citizenry not to apportion blame on the drug user or peddlers but should see drug abuse, as a collective responsibility of individuals, family, the state and the country at large.

Imalegwu advised Nigerians to stop stigmatising the victims of drug abuse but use love and kind words to win their attention, so that they can become good citizens.