Youths in Nkpolu community, in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, have flogged a serving police officer in the state and two other youths for alleged use of hard drugs.

Concerned by the effects of hard drugs among youths, the youths had resolved to end drug abuse in their community by declaring a campaign of ‘No to Drug Abuse’.

It was learned that most members of the community have lost their homes and valuable possessions due to drug use.

It was also learned that the youth leadership carries out routine investigations to enforce their decisions, and during a patrol, they arrested some individuals caught in the act, including a police officer.

The youths reportedly stormed a drug hideout and arrested three individuals, including an officer who identified himself as Joshua Eyong, serving in Obio/Akpor Local Council division.

Eyong, who showed his service Identity Card to the youths, did not dispute the claims made by the youths who apprehended them.

Speaking, Owhonda Chamberlain, the Youth President of Nkpolu community, said the three people were picked in line with their resolve to end drug abuse in their community.

Chamberlain regretted that most of the youths of their area have lost their homes to drug use, adding that drugs are hurting their youths, hence the move for an end.

He said, “There is a campaign going on in our community headed by the youths of Nkpolu, following the powers given to me as the youth president to ensure that there are no drugs in our community.

“We discovered that some of our children do not have homes. We found that the property that their parents struggled with is being sold for drugs. What they do is that after taking drugs worth N3,000,000, they sell their house for N4,000,000.

“The drug dealer will now give them N1,000,000. Nkpolu has decided that there will be no drug dealer, no drug smoker in our community again. If you want to take drugs, go to Rumuaghorlu, go to hotels. It should not be something that should be done here.”

Contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, stated that the police became aware of the development through a video on a social media platform.

She noted that the police officer involved in the development has denied involvement in drug use, noting that an investigation has been launched into the incident. (The Guardian)