The Kano State Multi-Agency Taskforce on Drug Abuse and Trafficking has uncovered a disturbing new trend of substance abuse involving minors in the state.

Confirming the development to Daily Trust, the Chairman of the taskforce, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado, said the taskforce had arrested 43 minors who were found wanting in various offences including substance abuse, theft, and delivery of illicit drugs.

Rimingado explained that two adults were also convicted to 9 years imprisonment each, without option of fine, for recruiting minors into drug abuse and other crimes.

He said the minors were arrested at different locations including Sabon Gari, Gadar Lado, Unguwa Uku and Kofar Ruwa Motor Parks, among other joints across the state metropolis.

“Apart from consumption, these children were also recruited into other crimes including theft and delivery of illicit substances. So far, we have convicted two adults who were found guilty of engaging the minors as drug peddlers.

“In 40 days of operation, the taskforce has convicted over 200 offenders for various offences related to drug abuse and trafficking.

“We have conducted 100 raids at different spots where drug addicts carry out their illicit activities. Dozens of addicts were arrested and a large cache of illicit drugs and substances were confiscated during the operations.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the majority of these children are from neighboring states of Jigawa, Katsina, Zamfara and Adamawa. They take shelter at motor parks, under bridges, schools and other public structures.

“The taskforce is targeting the arrest of 2,500 minor drug addicts in the next two weeks. This is in addition to the 10,000 adult drug addicts targeted by the Kano State Government,” he said.

The chairman of the taskforce, however, noted that the fight against drug abuse requires collective effort, urging parents and the general public to play their part in protecting children from falling victim.

He assured that the Kano State Government is determined to address the menace of drug abuse in the state, rehabilitate and reintegrate the addicts back into the society. (Daily Trust)