The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has identified cannabis, tramadol, codeine-based cough syrups and methamphetamine as the most commonly abused substances in Cross River State, warning that the growing trend of substance abuse, particularly among youths, poses a serious threat to public health and security.
The State Commander of the NDLEA, CN John Anteyi, disclosed this in Calabar during a press briefing to commemorate the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
Anteyi said the state was witnessing an alarming increase in the abuse of psychoactive substances, with users increasingly combining multiple drugs to achieve stronger intoxicating effects. He warned that the practice significantly heightens the risk of addiction, mental illness, overdose and death.
According to him, substances commonly abused in the state include cannabis (marijuana), tramadol and other prescription opioids, codeine-based cough syrups, methamphetamine and other synthetic drugs, cocaine, heroin, sedatives and tranquillisers, alcohol, tobacco products—including cigarettes and vapes—as well as inhalants such as glue, petrol and paint thinners.
The NDLEA commander attributed the rising incidence of drug abuse among young people to several factors, including peer pressure, unemployment, poverty, family instability, curiosity, social media influence, easy access to illicit substances, cultism, gang activities, and academic and social pressures.
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Highlighting the command’s operational achievements between November 2025 and May 2026, Anteyi said officers seized 6,575.009 kilograms of illicit drugs. The haul comprised 6,397.59095kg of Cannabis Sativa, 1.465kg of cannabis seeds, 60.4g of cocaine, 20.17g of heroin, 778.64g of methamphetamine and 166.36673kg of psychotropic substances.
He added that within the same period, the command arrested 262 suspected drug offenders—207 males and 55 females—secured 28 convictions, and destroyed 14 hectares of cannabis farms in Akamkpa Local Government Area of the state.
Also speaking, the wife of the Cross River State Governor and Chairperson of the State Drug Control Committee, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to combating drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
Represented by her Press Secretary, Faith Okon, Mrs Otu described drug abuse as one of the greatest threats to the health, security and future of the state’s people, particularly its youth.
“Drug abuse remains one of the greatest threats to the health, security and future of our people, especially our young population. We must not allow this menace to define the future of our youths,” she said.
Anteyi stressed that drug abuse destroys dreams, weakens families, fuels crime and undermines national development, urging governments, communities, families, religious organisations and civil society groups to work together to address the menace.
“No single agency can win this fight alone. Say no to drug abuse. Say yes to life, health, security and development,” the NDLEA commander said.
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