The Abia State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, CN Leonard Nnadim, has admonished leaders and stakeholders of the National Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers, NAPPMED, not to distribute controlled medicines, psychotropic substances and other illicit drugs to members of the Abia public.
The commander gave the charge during a meeting with the leadership of NAPPMED from Aba North, Aba South and Osisioma LGAs of the state.
Nnadim stressed that patent and proprietary medicine dealers occupy a strategic position in the healthcare and drug-control system, noting that their businesses bring them into direct contact with medicines and substances that could be abused or diverted for non-medical purposes.
He urged the NAPPMED leaders to ensure strict compliance with relevant laws and regulations governing the sale and distribution of medicines, particularly substances with psychoactive and addictive properties.
The commander warned against the indiscriminate sale of controlled medicines to persons without appropriate prescriptions or for purposes other than legitimate medical treatment.
He also cautioned members against becoming conduits for the diversion of pharmaceutical products into the illicit drug market.
According to him, the fight against drug abuse cannot be left solely to law enforcement agencies, as it requires the collective commitment of government institutions, healthcare professionals, medicine dealers and other stakeholders.
He called on the NAPPMED leadership to educate their members on the dangers associated with drug misuse and to encourage responsible practices within their various medicine markets and communities.
CN Nnadim further emphasised the importance of intelligence sharing and collaboration between NAPPMED and the NDLEA, urging the association’s leaders to promptly provide relevant information on suspicious activities, illicit drug dealings and individuals involved in the diversion or abuse of controlled substances.
In their responses, the NAPPMED representatives expressed their willingness to support the NDLEA’s war against illicit drug trafficking and abuse and promised to sensitise their members.
NDLEA warns medicine dealers against sale of controlled drugs in Abia