The Imo government has renewed its campaign against the use of illicit drugs, narcotics and other harmful substances as part of the measures to check crime and criminality in the state.

Governor Hope Uzodimma’s special adviser on narcotics and illicit drugs monitoring, Ezechukwu Obonna, said this at a one-day enlightenment campaign against drug and substance abuse, addiction and trafficking held in Ihitteaforkwu, Ahiazu Mbaise on Wednesday.

Mr Obonna organised the campaign in collaboration with the executive director of the Coalition of Youth Alliance Movement, Okwudiri Nwandu.

Mr Obonna, who said mental health issues, crime and insecurity were linked to drug use, cautioned youths not to get involved in the use of illicit drugs and narcotics.

He said Mr Uzodimma’s knowledge of the negative consequences of drug abuse on youths informed his decision to create the Bureau of Narcotics and Illicit Drugs Monitoring (BNIDM).

He also mentioned that the campaign, which had already taken place at the Ezinihitte Mbaise on Sunday, would be organised in each of the 27 LGAs of the state.

He gave assurance that his office would continue to educate the young persons on the dangers of illicit drugs.

Also, Mr Nwandu, who hails from Ihitteaforkwu in Ahiazu Mbaise, said they organised health experts to check the health status of the people as early knowledge of one’s health condition would enable timely precautions to avoid complications.

He condemned the use of illicit drugs, especially by the youths, adding that “only the living can plan the future.”

Mr Nwandu promised to continue to partner with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the BNIDM in the fight against drug abuse.

NDLEA’s head of rehabilitation, treatment and counselling in Imo, Chiamaka Ugbede, a superintendent of narcotics, said drug abuse includes the use of illicit drugs and drugs without the prescription of qualified medical personnel.

Ms Ugbede said some natural substances, like kola nuts, negatively affect consumers, stressing that the negative consequences of drug abuse include madness, cancer of the lungs and mouth ulcers, among other health challenges.

NDLEA’s deputy commander in charge of operations and training in Imo, Lamuwa Shehu, urged parents not to expose their children early to alcohol intake but to watch them closely as they grow.

(NAN)