Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for the imposition of “stringent punishment” to be meted out to drug traffickers.

Obi said there is a need for stringent measures to prevent the spread of drug abuse and illicit trafficking, which has become a significant threat to the nation.

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The former Anambra governor made the call on Wednesday, which marks the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

Obi stated that drugs and substance abuse have contributed to high rates of crime, moral decadence in society, and other associated health hazards.

He added that it also greatly dampens the productivity of people, especially the youth population, and urged the federal government to invest in rehabilitating individuals already caught in the web of drug abuse.

Obi stated, “Today is set aside by the global community to commemorate the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. It is a day set out to strengthen actions that will rid society of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking

“It is also a day that reminds us of the need to direct more concerted efforts towards preventing drug abuse and guiding those weighed down by addiction through the path of freedom. For a predominantly youthful population, in Nigeria, where poverty and where unemployment is on the increase, the incidence of drug abuse remains high.

Economic hardship and other poor socio-economic factors have been identified as the leading factors fueling drug abuse among our youth.

“A report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) states that Nigeria and some African countries will witness a 40 per cent rise in the population of drug users, especially the youth population if urgent measures are not taken.

“The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reports that about 14.3 million Nigerians aged 15-64 years, abuse drugs. The National Bureau of Statistics reports a 14.4 per cent drug prevalence in Nigeria, which is twice the global average of 5.8 per cent.

“Drugs and substance abuse have contributed to high rates of crime, moral decadence in society, and other associated health hazards. It also greatly dampens the productivity of the people, especially the youth population.

“We must, therefore, seek to save our nation from the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. More efforts must be channelled into preventing the spread of this virus.

“The government should invest in rehabilitating those already caught in the web of drug abuse and stringent punishment meted out to drug traffickers. With commitment and sincerity of action, we can achieve a drug-free nation in a New Nigeria that is possible.”

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