The Emir of Gaya in Kano State, Aliyu Ibrahim-Abdulkadir, says the emirate has adopted zero tolerance policy on drug abuse and trafficking, to complement the ongoing fight against the menace in the state.

The emir made the disclosure on Wednesday, when he received members of the Multi Agency Task Force on Drugs Abuse and Trafficking at his palace in Gaya.

He said that he already directed wards, villages and district heads in the emirate to apprehend and hand over suspected drug offenders to the relevant authorities for prosecution, irrespective of their social status or position.

“We have already directed all our ward, village and district heads to apprehend and hand over any suspect to the authorities for prosecution, no matter how highly placed he may be,” he said.

He said the directive was part of the emirate’s commitment to supporting the fight against the growing menace of substance abuse in society.

The emir added that the council also introduced drug screening for individuals being considered for appointments within the emirate, describing the measure as a strategy that should be adopted at all levels of government.

Mr Ibrahim-Abdulkadir described substance abuse as a serious source of concern requiring urgent and concerted action from all stakeholders.

He commended the foresight of the Governor Abba Yusuf, for establishing the task force, stressing that the fight against drug abuse and trafficking must be a collective responsibility in which all hands must be on deck.

He further called on government to complement drug screening with firm and decisive action in the prosecution of persons found culpable of drug abuse or trafficking.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Task Force, Muhyi Magaji, represented by Dr Aminu Magashi, said the delegation was at the palace to solicit royal blessing and support of the emir for its activities.

He disclosed that the task force would soon organise a sensitisation meeting as part of efforts to create greater public awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.

He stated that Mr Yusuf was deeply committed to the fight against drug abuse and trafficking, adding that the task force recorded some successes within the short period since its establishment.

The chairman expressed hope that with the support of traditional institutions and other stakeholders, the campaign would gain greater momentum and achieve its objectives.

(NAN)