The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has stepped up its efforts to combat drug abuse in Enugu State with the introduction of a new drug testing kit and a free toll line for citizens to report suspicious activities.

The Enugu State Commander of the Agency, Mr. Abel Sunu Wadahi, disclosed that they have been working tirelessly to sensitize the public on the dangers of drug abuse through an initiative “Save our family”.

Mr. Wadahi who stated this in an interview on the world day against drug abuse and illicit trafficking said the agency has adopted a multi-faceted approach to tackle the menace.

According to him, the agency views drug abusers as victims rather than criminals or offenders, adding that the command counsels and rehabilitates them to overcome addiction. “The NDLEA has a rehabilitation center that accommodates about 20 clients, providing detoxification and relapse prevention services to them.

“At NDLEA, we prioritize prevention and support. Our confinement cells are designed to prevent relapse, not punish. We understand that addiction is a health issue, and our goal is to help individuals overcome it. Our 2-minute drug test kits help us detect issues early through urine samples, enabling timely intervention. The kit is for sale and some collaborators have identified their patronage. With ‘Save Our Family’ initiative, we empower loved ones to take action and support their family members struggling with addiction because we believe that everyone deserves a second chance, and that together, we can build a healthier drug-free society.”

He said in line with the theme of this year’s event, “The Evidence is Clear, Invest in Prevention.” the agency also collaborates with security agencies, schools, traditional rulers and communities to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.

According to him, NDLEA has recorded significant successes in its efforts to combat drug abuse. “Recently, the agency intercepted a bus conveying drugs worth over N40 million naira from Onitsha. The agency has also seized over 2 tons of cannabis from the Aria new market.

“We call on the public to support the agency’s efforts by providing information and collaborating with us to combat drug abuse.”

Wadahi emphasized that the fight against drug abuse requires everyone’s involvement and urged individuals to call the toll-free helpline 080010203040 for official assistance.

The NDLEA’s innovative approaches to rehabilitation and prevention have not only earned them awards and  recognition but also positioned them as a model for other agencies. said the NDLEA state Boss.