Narcotics Control Commission cautions against drug abuse

The Narcotics Control Commission has cautioned the public against the use and abuse of banned substances.

The Commission in a statement to commemorate World Drug Day last Sunday said a national baseline study on drug use in the country would confirm a rise in the number of drug users.

According to the Narcotics Control Commission, the data shows that more work needs to be done, especially in sensitizing the populace.

“There is, therefore, the need to strengthen controls on the availability and access to drugs, while sensitizing the populace with the facts on the dangers of substance abuse. This calls for more evidence-based drug sensitization programmes and increasing access to counselling and treatment intervention for persons suffering from substance use disorders,” part of the statement reads.

It added, “The use and abuse of cannabis, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines and other hard drugs, as well as some prescription drugs such as tramadol and codeine-based cough syrups have become a pandemic. This could be due to a lack of appreciation of the dangers these drugs pose, and also partly due to misinformation on these substances. The lack of appreciation of the dangers associated with these substances and the volume of misinformation being circulated continue to spell misery for people, particularly the youth, who get addicted to these substances… We need to appreciate that, drug use can lead to addiction and cause misery for the user, his/her significant others and the society at large.”