National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency in Akwa Ibom State has warned motorists in the state against transporting and using illicit drugs.
The acting NDLEA commander in the state, Mr. Alfred Adewumi, said the usage of illicit drugs had increased in the state, a development that had prompted the agency to take the campaign to the drivers.
Speaking in Uyo on Tuesday at a seminar organised by the agency for the management of the state Transport Company Limited, Adewumi said sensitising drivers was necessary as they have many lives in their care to protect.
He said, "I tell you that as drivers and transporters, you owe the lives of a lot of people in your hands each time you drive, even if you have an 18-seater vehicle. Apart from yourself, you have 17 other people in the vehicle.
"You have a lot of other people who are dependent on you. If anything happens to you, you can imagine the ripple effects, which may affect these dependants."
Principal Staff Officer, Drug-Demand Reduction Unit, NDLEA in the state, Mr. Ome Eyeuche, in a paper, 'The Implication of Substance Abuse/Illicit Drug Trafficking for Road Transport Workers', said some of the drugs give the users false sense of confidence.
