Production of illegal drugs in Nigeria

Recently, the United Nations (UN) lambasted Nigeria for the continued production of illicit narcotics and psychotropic drugs in the country. A report by International Narcotics Control Board, an agency of the UN, stated that three illegal laboratories manufacturing methamphetamine were dismantled in May 2015 bringing to 10 the total number of such laboratories closed in the country since 2011.
It further noted that in most of the methamphetamine laboratories seized, only traces of the key precursor, ephedrine, were found and the sources of the chemicals were generally not known.  Lamenting the development, Country Representative of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Nigeria, Cristina Albertin, called for concerted efforts to checkmate the illicit manufacturing of psychotropic substances.
As if to corroborate the claim, acting Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration Control (NAFDAC), Mrs. Yetunde Oni, said the agency was aware of persistent and emerging challenges regarding drug problems in Nigeria, even as it is working with relevant stakeholders to address the problem. We are alarmed at this revelation and call on the relevant authorities to put all stringent measures in place to check such nefarious business in the country.

By their composition, psychotropic drugs are highly dangerous substance which production must be strictly regulated and supervised by experts. Moreover, their environmental and health consequences are endless. For example, gases that are released from the production of meth are deadly, if inhaled. For every pound of methamphetamine produced, five to six pounds of waste products are generated, even as they also cause skin cancer if exposed to the human skin.
With a huge population of some 170 million people, Nigeria is an awesome and thriving market for the consumption of illicit drugs. Indeed, more worrisome is the fact that foreigners have infiltrated the illegal drug manufacturing syndicate in the country.
Reports reveal that between 2013 and 2015, a total of 284.583kg of methamphetamine (meth) were seized by the NDLEA; the largest seizure being 50kg of Ephredine that was destined for Mozambique. Reason for involvement of foreigners is that very few Nigerians have the expertise to produce these illicit drugs.
There is the fear that if Nigerians should master the art of producing meth locally, the health and environment implications would be disastrous.     Investigations show that the preferred destination for meth traffickers in Nigeria is Asia and the reason is that it is the most profitable.

While a kilogramme of cocaine sells for N3m, that of methamphetamine cost N12m/N15m per kilogramme. Medical report reveals that the drug gives users an intense rush, heightens attention and curbs appetite. It is highly addictive. Over time, addicts usually suffer anxiety, weight loss and tooth decay.

According to drugs experts, Nigeria dominates meth production in West Africa. Aside having the continent’s biggest population it has some of the region’s most established criminal gangs.
Given the enormous damage narcotics do to humanity, no effort should be spared by the government to curb its menace.

Drug abuse is a global phenomenon that has assumed increasing and alarming dimensions; there is the need for all stakeholders to take clear decisive and sustained actions to stem this menace.