Ugoni community commends NDLEA for dismantling Meth lab
The Ugoni community in Okposi Okwu, Ebonyi, has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for dismantling an alleged industrial-scale methamphetamine laboratory operating in the community.
Chinonso Obasi, Patron, Ugoni Youth Development Union, gave the commendation in a statement on Wednesday, where he also condemned illicit drug production and other criminal activities.
Obasi said the reported discovery and dismantling of the laboratory, as well as reports concerning individuals allegedly involved in its operation, had attracted significant public attention.
He, however, stressed that the full facts remained subject to investigation and due process.
He said the community’s position was unequivocal that it did not support, harbour, encourage or condone illicit drug production or any form of criminal enterprise.
“Ugoni is a peaceful, hardworking and patriotic community whose people value dignity, enterprise, community development and the wellbeing of its youths.
“We therefore strongly condemn any individuals whose activities may have exposed our community to the dangers and reputational damage associated with illicit drug production,” he said.
Obasi, a strong member of the Union, said he was speaking on behalf of the community’s peace-loving youths in expressing solidarity with the NDLEA.
He called for a thorough, professional and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the establishment and operation of the alleged methamphetamine laboratory.
He described methamphetamine as a highly dangerous and addictive illicit substance with devastating consequences for individuals, families and communities.
“The production and distribution of such substances constitute a serious threat to public health, community safety and the future of young people.
“Anyone found responsible should face the full weight of the law, subject to due process,”he said.
Obasi particularly commended the NDLEA Deputy Commander of Narcotics (DCN), Kabiru Zakari, Special Operations Unit, (SOU) who he said reportedly led the operation.
He also appreciated the manner in which the operation was conducted, particularly that it was carried out without reported loss of life or casualty within the community.
The community leader commended the leadership of the NDLEA, under its Chairman, retired, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, for its continued efforts to confront the production, trafficking and abuse of illicit drugs in Nigeria.
He said the intervention was particularly important because illicit drug laboratories, if allowed to operate undetected, could expand their networks and expose an entire generation to serious social, economic and public-health consequences.
“Early detection and decisive law-enforcement action are therefore essential,” he said.
Obasi, a former National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and pioneer National President of the Nigerian Youth Union (NYU), said he had consistently advocated for a safer, more prosperous and better-governed Nigeria.
He said the development presented another opportunity to reaffirm that commitment through responsible action in defence of communities.
He stated categorically that Ugoni Community stood for peace, lawfulness, responsible enterprise, youth development and the rule of law.
Obasi urged the NDLEA and other relevant security and law-enforcement agencies to deepen their investigation, identify all persons connected to the alleged operation.
“NDLEA must ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with Nigerian law,”he maintained.
Obasi, however, appealed to the authorities to ensure that innocent members of the community were not collectively stigmatised because of the alleged actions of individuals.
“The criminal activities of individuals must not become the identity of an entire community,” he said.
Obasi described Ugoni as a community with a proud history, vibrant youth population and strong commitment to peaceful coexistence and national development.
He assured that the community would continue to cooperate with lawful authorities to protect its environment and ensure that it remained safe for its children and future generations.
He commended the NDLEA for its intervention and urged the Agency to sustain its efforts against illicit drug production and trafficking wherever they occurred.