By Simon Utebor, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has declared that his administration will leave no stone unturned in the fight against peddling of illicit drugs and substance abuse in the state.

Diri made the declaration at the weekend during this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking at Peace Park in Yenagoa with the theme: ‘Share the Facts. Save Lives.’

Represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the governor said the state government had already set up the Bayelsa Drug Abuse Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee to check the trafficking of illegal drugs and drug abuse in the state.

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A statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, quoted him as saying that drug abuse was not limited to only youths, and therefore stressed the need for all stakeholders to synergize efforts in fighting against the menace.

Diri particularly called on the state Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to work closely with the state Drug Abuse Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee in terms of sharing facts about the social menace in order to save lives.

Describing drug and substance abuse as an enabler of crimes and criminality, he warned those perpetrating the act to desist from it in their best interest or face the wrath of the law.

“The government has set up the Bayelsa Drug Abuse Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee. That tells you that we are putting our first eleven to fight this menace of drugs.”

Earlier, the Chairman, Bayelsa State Drug Abuse Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee, Dr Faith Izibenua, described the 2021 World Day Against Drug Abuse as a call to action for all to share facts about drug abuse.