By Watchmann

The Afiesere Community of Ughelli North local government area of Delta State, Thursday, protested against and banned the sales illicit drugs with a vow to deal decisively with any defaulters, both the dealers and youths involved in the hard drugs menace.

In a peaceful demonstration around the community, hundreds of residents of the community marched through the streets, placards carrying messages such as “Say no to illicit drugs,” “Stop selling hard drugs or park out of our community,” and “Drugs end all dreams.”

The protesters called for immediate action against those involved in the drug trade, threatening that anyone found selling or using hard drugs in the community would be reported to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for prosecution.

Addressinh the residents, the President General of Afiesere, Olorogun Luke Umukoro, said the community has zero-tolerance policy towards drug abuse, stating, “We are here to inform all that the community is not in support of sales of hard drugs or those taking it. Anyone caught will face the full wrought of the law.”

Umukoro highlighted the tragic effect of drugs being taken in the community and how it has destroyed them, adding that the community has lost over 20 youths in the past year over drug-related issues, hence any body caught participating in drug-related activities after this sensitization.

“We are not only after the sellers, we are also after the buyers,” he explained, announcing that the community has acquired testing equipment for drugs. “If we discover that you are positive, you will be handed over to the Drug Law Enforcement Agency for immediate prosecution.”

“We are determined to take proactive measures to combat substance abuse and foster a healthier, safer environment for their youth. We are calling on both federal and state agencies for support and are resolute in their quest to eliminate the scourge of drugs from Afiesere”.

“So we are not only after the sellers, we are also after the buyers (those taking it) and we have acquired the test machine for hard drugs; and once we discover that you are positive, then you will immediately be handed over to Drug Law Enforcement Agency for immediate prosecution. Therefore, all residents are warned to stop forthwith”. He said.

The message of the protest was reinforced by other community leaders, including the spokesman Mr. Otubo Etaya, who echoed concerns that the ongoing trend of drug abuse could lead to increased of crime and addiction among the youth. He said reports had indicated that several young people from the community are already undergoing treatment for drug addiction in various healing homes.

The protest marked a crucial step towards community solidarity in the fight against drug-related issues, with residents united in their aim to promote positive lifestyles and protect their future generations from the dangers of illicit drugs.