NDLEA Warns Abia Patent Medicine Dealers Against Abuse, Diversion of Controlled Drugs

Commander Nnadim urges NAPPMED leaders to enforce prescription rules, partner agency to curb drug abuse

ABA — The Abia State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, CN Leonard Nnadim, has charged leaders of the National Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers, NAPPMED, to abstain from abuse, misuse and illicit distribution of controlled medicines and psychotropic substances.

The Commander gave the charge during a sensitisation engagement with NAPPMED representatives from Aba North, Aba South and Osisioma Local Government Areas.

CN Nnadim said patent medicine dealers occupy a strategic position in the healthcare and drug-control system, as their businesses bring them into direct contact with medicines that could be abused or diverted for non-medical purposes.

He urged the NAPPMED leadership to ensure strict compliance with laws governing the sale and distribution of medicines, particularly those with psychoactive and addictive properties.

The NDLEA boss warned against indiscriminate sale of controlled medicines to persons without appropriate prescriptions or for purposes other than legitimate medical treatment, cautioning members against becoming conduits for diversion of pharmaceutical products into the illicit drug market.

According to him, the fight against drug abuse requires collective commitment from government institutions, healthcare professionals, medicine dealers and other stakeholders, and cannot be left to law enforcement alone.

He called on the NAPPMED leadership to educate members on the dangers of drug misuse and encourage responsible practices in medicine markets and communities.

CN Nnadim further emphasised the need for intelligence sharing and collaboration between NAPPMED and the NDLEA, urging leaders to promptly provide information on suspicious activities, illicit dealings and individuals involved in diversion or abuse of controlled substances.

He encouraged members to see themselves as partners in the campaign for a drug-free Abia State, rather than merely business operators, stressing that responsible dealers could prevent young people and other vulnerable groups from gaining inappropriate access to controlled substances.

In their response, the NAPPMED representatives from the three LGAs appreciated the NDLEA for the engagement and pledged to support the Agency’s efforts in combating illicit drug trafficking and abuse.

They acknowledged the importance of responsible pharmaceutical practices and assured that they would continue to sensitise their members on compliance with regulations and avoidance of activities capable of contributing to drug abuse and diversion.

The engagement was disclosed in a statement by ASNI IK Akunne, SO Media and Advocacy, Abia State Command, for the State Commander.