NDLEA Partners with SWAN to Combat Drug Abuse in Sports
The Sector Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Anambra State, Mr. Oyishi Ogbonna, has issued a stern warning against the use of hard drugs in sports and other professions. Speaking to the Anambra State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogbonna emphasized that training, not drugs, is the key to success. He highlighted the detrimental effects of substance abuse, which can not only ruin careers but also lead to severe consequences such as disqualification or bans in competitive sports.
During a recent visit from SWAN to his office in Awka, Commander Ogbonna detailed the NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to eradicate hard drugs in Anambra. He shared that his team works tirelessly to curb the spread of substances like methamphetamine, commonly known as Mkpuru Miri. Ogbonna urged sports professionals and others to steer clear of drugs, underscoring that true achievement is possible without chemical enhancement.
Ogbonna condemned the perception of drugs as a lucrative business and called on communities to unite against drug abuse. He stressed the importance of safeguarding the youth from the allure of drugs and recounted the agency’s successful seizures, including over 3.3 tons of hard drugs recovered last year. He pledged continued efforts to eliminate the drug menace in the state.
Highlighting the NDLEA’s outreach programs, Ogbonna noted their proactive approach in educating the public about the dangers of drug use. These initiatives, conducted in partnership with SWAN in schools, markets, and social gatherings, aim to inform and protect the community from the hazards of drug abuse.
Commander Ogbonna expressed gratitude to Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the security agencies, and the state government for their support. He called for further collaboration from community leaders to establish Community Drug Control Committees (CDCC). By working together, he believes Anambra can achieve its goal of becoming a drug-free state.