A nongovernmental organisation , Come Alive Initiative, on Tuesday raised the alarm over the use of Indian hemp as gift items during public functions in Onitsha and environs .
The organisation alleged that Indian hemp is sometimes served at burial ceremonies and other private functions to willing guests .
The national coordinator of the CAI , Mr. Victor Enwezor, raised the concerns during a symposium on drug abuse in Onitsha to mark this year ’ s International Drug Day , themed , “Drug /Substance Abuse: Its effects on the socio-economic development of communities
Enwezor said that drug abuses had posed socio- economic challenges to the development of Onitsha.
He said , ”If you come to some burial ceremonies or other events here in Onitsha , you will see cannabis wrapped like pills and served in tray with lighters.
“ These things are in the open and nobody seems to want to talk about it .
“ We need to begin to expose some of these things, unless we want to continue to live in illusion . ”
Enwezor said the purpose of CAI was to end the menace in Onitsha and environs .
While urging government to resist any temptation to legalise hard drugs , Enwezor said security institutions and the judiciary should be equipped and funded to tackle what he called “ inducement of officials by drug barons . ”
He said that CAI , in the past three years , had rehabilitated 28 victims of drug abuse , while 11 others were undergoing treatment .
Speaking , the Obi of Onitsha , Igwe Alfred Achebe , said drug abuse and cultism were the major causes of crime in the area and called on parents and guardians to monitor their children .
Achebe , who hailed CAI for its efforts in rehabilitating drug victims , called for the sustenance of the awareness .
In his speech , the Anambra State Commissioner of Police , Mr. Garba Umar , warned youths to avoid drug offences or face the wrath of the law.
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