The Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria has pledged to join the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in the fight against drug abuse in the country.
According to a statement from the association, its chairman, Vicky Haastrup, made the pledge when she hosted the Commander, Apapa Special Area Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Udotong Noah.
She assured the NDLEA boss of the association’s support in the fight against the importation and use of illicit drugs in the country.
Haastrup said NDLEA must be supported by all well-meaning stakeholders in its effort to curtail illicit production, importation, exportation, sale and trafficking of psychoactive substances.
She commended the Apapa Special Area Command of NDLEA for its vigilance at the country’s seaports to ensure that illicit drugs imported by unscrupulous elements do not find their way into the society.
She advocated further enlightenment of port users, truck drivers and conductors on the dangers of drugs and substance abuse, which she said had ruined many lives and led to catastrophic effects in many homes.
“The task of making Nigeria drug-free is the responsibility of all Nigerians. NDLEA is doing a lot of work to stop the importation and exportation of illicit drugs in Nigeria. The agency has also done very well to curtail the abuse of drugs by Nigerians, especially the youths. All of us, both at the corporate and individual levels must, therefore, join hands with NDLEA to put a decisive end to this dangerous menace.”
“I want to assure you that all terminal operators will continue to support you and the Nigeria Customs Service to intercept illicit importation into Nigeria. We will not allow unscrupulous elements to use our ports as gateways for their illicit trade.”
Speaking earlier, Noah, said his visit to the association was to solicit the support of terminal operators in fighting illicit drug importation and abuse around the port area.
