The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has summoned a local government chairman in Niger for encouraging young people to engage in drugs.

In an online video, the council chairman allegedly told a group of youths to use the council’s secretariat whenever they wanted to smoke Indian hemp.

NDLEA commander in Niger, Haruna Kwetishe, said Thursday that the anti-narcotics agency had invited the chairman regarding the video.

“We have written to the local government council chairman inviting him over a viral video clip trending on social media. Purportedly made by him advising the youths to use the local government secretariat as a smoking joint for Cannabis Sativa, popularly known as Marijuana, if they so wish,” said Mr Kwetishe.

The NDLEA official added that the agency would not allow anyone to diminish the command’s efforts in combating illicit drugs and abuse.

“Therefore, the command wishes to issue a stern warning to the author of the purported video/statement that he should retract it. We want him to join hands with the Niger state command of the agency to fight this dangerous trend of drug abuse and illicit trafficking.”

He further warned that illicit drug dealing and abuse would not be tolerated in the state, no matter the status of the individual involved.

“Anybody who will tread such a path will be dealt with according to the law, as they will be arrested and prosecuted at the court,” the NDLEA commander added. 

(NAN)