Governor Alex Otti has expressed concern about the prevalence of drug abuse in Abia and the difficulty in apprehending drug barons. He, however, expressed his administration’s determination to adopt a strategic approach to combat drug abuse and its associated challenges.

Mr Otti said this on Thursday when a new commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Chidi Nnadi, paid him a visit in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South LGA.

The governor said the challenges posed by drug abuse and crime clearly showed the evolving nature of the drug menace and its correlation with criminal activities.

He expressed his administration’s commitment to collaboration and the use of strategic actions to prevent and tackle these issues.

Mr Otti said, “When you look at crime and drug, you’ll see that they are closely related, like you said, and we understand it. A lot of times, people who get involved in crime and criminality start with drugs and drugs have been so cheap, and their prices have reduced so much because there are alternatives.

“The fight against drugs has metamorphosed into something a bit more difficult because we’re not dealing with wide range of issues. In the past, drug barons could be easily identified, but today in dingy places in villages, you just see people seated taking drugs, so it becomes a more difficult fight.

“So, while we are dealing with it in a kinetic manner, we should also be thinking of other means of fighting it and that takes me to intelligence.”

He advocated intelligence-driven strategies alongside traditional enforcement methods.

Mr Otti reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to providing the NDLEA with the necessary resources and support to achieve its mission.

(NAN)