The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has strengthened its partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) towards restricting hawking, sales and consumption of illicit drugs and substances at motorparks.

The Anambra State sector commander of FRSC, Joyce Alexander, made the call on Saturday during a courtesy call to the office of the state commander of NDLEA, Ogbonna Onyishi, in Awka.

Ms Alexander said the partnership with NDLEA was to checkmate drunk driving in the state.

She said the first phase of the operation would focus on advisory, enlightenment and cautioning of erring drivers, while the second phase would be full enforcement.

“The FRSC has the mandate to check drunk driving and apprehend drivers found to have violated the driving under influence of drugs traffic rule, but cannot prohibit the sales of these stimulants or drugs.

“Drunk driving accidents are a leading cause of deaths and injuries among Nigerians, highlighting the need for increased awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving and motivating behavioural change among drivers.

“We look forward to partnering with your agency to curb the hawking, sale, and consumption of illicit drugs and substances at motor parks,” she said.

Responding, Mr Onyishi assured the sector commander FRSC of the agency’s readiness to engage in the proposed joint operations.

“There is no set down rules to prohibit sales of alcohol because it is socially accepted.

“However, other drugs like Indian hemp can be tackled or restricted at the motor parks,” he said.

(NAN)