The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, command in FCT has launched new strategies to curb drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the territory.

FCT commander, Kabir Tsakuwa disclosed this today in Abuja. He stated that FCT was a major gateway connecting southern part to other parts of the country as well as the cosmopolitan nature of the city.

According to him, they embarked on aggressive advocacy visits to all the FCT stakeholders, particularly the traditional rulers, to ask for their support.

Tsakuwa added that a well-fashioned and intelligence-driven motorised patrol along the major entry points like Abaji- Lokoja road, Gwagwalada-Kwali road, Bwari-Jere road and Mararaba/Nyanya road had been ensured.

“This has helped the command tremendously in checking those that may want to take advantage of the busy roads to traffic drugs along these routes into the FCT directly or on transit, as the case may be.

“This has informed the communities of the need to owe the campaign against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

“We also leverage on our call centre with phone No (080010203040) established by the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.- Gen. Buba Marwa.

“The platform is purposely created to enable the public to pass information on a 24/7 basis about drug activities in their areas.

”Or about drug dependent persons who may need help without having to disclose their identity for prompt action or response, ”

The NDLEA boss further advised youths to shun drug abuse and illicit trafficking stressing that peer pressure was a major challenge for youths when it comes to drug abuse.

He noted that, “Youths should confide in their parents any time they are put under pressure by their friends to engage in drug abuse.

“Youths must strengthen their involvement in sports and other social activities like community events, computer classes, among others, instead of staying idle which may lead them to engaging in drug abuse.

They should know that drug free life is possible, healthier and happier. Youths must develop a way to manage stress and avoid going to places where illicit drugs are sold or abused, he said.