The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), in partnership with the pro-democracy organization Network Against Corruption and Trafficking (NACAT), has recently uncovered a disturbing situation within a community in Abuja.

This community has become a place where hard drugs are sold with astonishing ease, akin to everyday food items.

In response to this alarming revelation, NDLEA and NACAT have undertaken a proactive campaign to raise awareness about the dangers associated with the consumption of hard drugs within this specific community, known as Abattoir, situated in Abuja.

Abattoir is situated in close proximity to an animal market within the Karu district of Abuja, near the boundary between the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Nassarwa State. Shockingly, this area has emerged as a prominent hub for the illicit trade in substances such as Crack, Codeine, Molly, Tramadol, Refnol, Rochi, Arizona, as well as various strains of Loud, including the Canadian and Ghanaian varieties.

This action by NDLEA and NACAT is a direct response to the findings of an investigation conducted by NACAT, which revealed the extent of the drug trade in this community. It is essential to shed light on the dire situation in Abattoir, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and public awareness campaigns to address the prevalent issue of drug abuse in the area.

During a road-walk in the community, the Abuja Command of the NDLEA displayed various banners and placards that read, “Friends Don’t Let Friends Do Drugs,” “Spot the sign, break the chain,” “Your Potential is Limitless Without Drugs,” “Love Yourself: Break Free from Substance Abuse,” “Say no to drug trafficking,” among others. 

Stanley Ugagbe, the Operational Manager of NACAT, spoke to the press during the awareness campaign and referred to Section 11, Part II of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act. This particular section explicitly forbids individuals from engaging in activities such as importing, manufacturing, producing, processing, planting, or cultivating drugs like cocaine, LSD, heroin, or any other illicit substances without lawful authorization. He issued a stern warning to the residents of the region, cautioning them against the use of hard drugs.

Ugagbe said “Acting upon a scoop, we conducted a clandestine investigation and uncovered how hard drugs are sold in broad daylight in this area, and that is why, as a group that is committed to the fight against drug trafficking, we are here today to sensitise the people against the gross implications of hard drugs”.

“There are so many legitimate businesses you can do to make a living in this country,” he said while warning dealers to engage themselves in meaningful businesses.

Nduka Augustine, who serves as the officer in charge of sensitization for the NDLEA FCT Command, expressed his appreciation for NACAT’s efforts in raising awareness about the perils associated with drug use, drug trafficking, and drug dealing.