The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned patent and proprietary medicine dealers in Abia State against the unauthorised sale and distribution of controlled medicines, psychotropic substances and other illicit drugs.
The Abia State Commander of the agency, CN Leonard Nnadim, issued the warning during a meeting with leaders of the National Association of Patent and Proprietary Medicine Dealers (NAPPMED) from Aba North, Aba South and Osisioma Local Government Areas.
Nnadim said medicine dealers occupy a strategic position in both the healthcare and drug-control system because their businesses place them in direct contact with pharmaceutical products and substances that could be abused or diverted for non-medical purposes.
He urged NAPPMED leaders to ensure that their members strictly adhere to the laws and regulations guiding the sale and distribution of medicines, particularly drugs with psychoactive and addictive properties.
The commander specifically warned against the indiscriminate sale of controlled medicines to individuals without appropriate prescriptions or for purposes unrelated to legitimate medical treatment.
He also cautioned medicine dealers against allowing their businesses to become channels through which pharmaceutical products are diverted into the illicit drug market.
According to him, the responsibility for tackling drug abuse extends beyond law enforcement agencies and requires the collective efforts of government institutions, healthcare professionals, medicine dealers and other relevant stakeholders.
Nnadim called on the NAPPMED leadership to intensify awareness among their members on the dangers of drug misuse while promoting responsible medicine-handling practices across their markets and surrounding communities.
The NDLEA commander further stressed the need for stronger intelligence sharing and cooperation between the association and the agency.
He urged NAPPMED leaders to promptly relay information concerning suspicious activities, illicit drug transactions and persons suspected of diverting or abusing controlled substances.
Responding, representatives of NAPPMED pledged their support for the NDLEA’s efforts to curb illicit drug trafficking and abuse, promising to sensitise their members and encourage compliance with relevant regulations.
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