In a bid to combat the growing menace of illicit drug peddling and abuse in the state, the Imo State government has initiated plans to effectively and efficiently collaborate with relevant security agencies in the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Narcotics And Illicit Drug Monitoring, Chief Ezechukwu N Obonna made this known when he today, paid a working visit to the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, and the State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Mr. Abdullah Saeed, to collaborate with them on the need to form a synergy with the security agencies to curb the supply and distribution of illicit drugs in Imo State.
Hon. Chief Obonna who after a review of the level of success he has recorded on the aspect of reducing the demand for these Illicit drugs in the state through awareness campaigns and programs, disclosed that the next phase following his reappointment will be to reduce the supply chain of these Illicit drugs in the state. As such, to achieve this, his office will need to collaborate effectively with relevant security agencies to cut off all supply routes and hotspots. This may involve the setting up of a rapid response team, aimed at monitoring the peddling, circulation and usage of illicit drugs in the state.
According to Chief Obonna, the rapid response team will work in synergy with his office, leveraging on the support of relevant security agencies to achieve it’s objectives.
The Commissioner of Police and the NDLEA Commander in response expressed their individual readiness to collaborate effectively with the Special Adviser on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring, to ensuring that an efficient synergy is forged to effectively combat drug abuse and trafficking in Imo State.
Notably, the State Commander of NDLEA, Mr. Abdullahi Saeed Commander thanked the Governor of Imo State His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma for reappointing Hon. Chief Ezechukwu N. Obonna as the SA on Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring, describing him as a partner in progress. The commander referred to the command headquarters as the ‘home’ of Hon Obonna as he was readily available to work with them during his first appointment.
This development is seen as a significant step towards tackling the illicit drug menace in Imo State and also fighting insecurity. Stakeholders are very optimistic about the positive impact this collaboration.
.
