Seller of hard drugs in Anambra State may have to relocate to outside the state as the state government has vowed to deal ruthlessly with them. Governor Peter Obi made the vow after a meeting with the Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Alhaji Ahmadu Gaide, at the Governor’s Lodge, Awka.

The governor declared unequivocally that his administration would spare no efforts in ensuring that the illicit drugs trade is eradicated across the state. He regretted that while his administration is pursuing a comprehensive health programme to uplift the lives of the people, some individuals in their blind quest for material wealth are exposing innocent citizens to health hazards.

The governor assured that his administration would embark on a sustained onslaught against those involved in the illicit business as it is doing with other crimes. He also disclosed that the state would embark on mass sensitisation and will make public the names of all individuals involved in the illicit drugs business.

Earlier, the NDLEA Chairman, Alhaji Giade, said the visit was to solicit the assistance of the state government in the fight against hard drugs following the discovery of a methamphetamine laboratory in a dwelling house at Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area. He explained that exposure to the drug could cause cancer, deformity and other health hazards.

Alhaji Giade restated the determination of the NDLEA to protect the country from hard drug production or from being a transit route for illicit drug distribution, noting that hard drug is often linked to kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes.

The NDLEA boss expressed confidence that collaboration with the state government would help create necessary awareness that would save the people from the sad consequences of hard drugs. He said that knowing how highly Gov. Obi cherished values and the welfare of his people, he was confident that the governor would continue to promote those things that would be of benefit to his people.