The Nigeria Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPPMED), Potiskum Local Government Chapter, Yobe State has expressed concern over the increasing drug abuse and circulation among youths in the State.
Chairman of NAPPMED, Alhaji Garba Sabo told newsmen on Sunday that he wished to bring the issue to the attention of relevant authorities in the state and the country in order to seek intervention.
“Scores of our young men are involved in the excess consumption of hard drugs and cough syrup so as to get drunk quickly.
“We are worried that such a practice poses a big health risk to our agile youths in the area.
“The NDLEA and NAFDAC should sensitize the masses on the dangers of such abuse.”
He further revealed that most of the sellers of such illicit drugs are not registered with their Association.
“They operate independently, they don’t belong to us, they are spoiling the future of our teeming Youth in the State, we are not supposed to remain silent and allow our leaders of tomorrow become irresponsible. “
“It is very unfortunate that even married women come to us asking for Ventolin Syrup or tramadol tablets, it will pose a great threat to the security of the State and nation at large, we have set up a task force committee among us”.
Responding, the Coordinator, NAFDAC, Yobe State, Lawan Musa Dadingelma said that the agency was seriously concerned about the health of the people of Yobe State “we periodically organize sensitization workshop for the drug dealers and vendors, we go to markets and raid flash points where illicit drugs are sold out, we mop the places and are determined to get rid of it. “
According to him, the agency has recorded success in comparison to last year “go to shops and check out, you will discover that only registered and standard drugs are sold”.