Many authorities in India have told the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in Nigeria that they are no longer comfortable with the term “Indian Hemp,” a name that Nigerians nickname Cannabis Certi, a banned drug.
Cross River State Commander of NDLEA, Rachel Umebuali, disclosed this in an interview in Calabar when she reeled out names of local government areas in the state which have become notorious for illegal drug consumption and cultivation.
Although she did not disclose the name of the particular Indian authorities that cautioned them, she added that the Indian authorities felt the term connotes negativity, and they do not want to be seen as associated with it.
“This is the reason we prefer and encourage all Nigerians to call it Cannabis Certi—what, in street language, is called Kanja, we-we, Igbo, marijuana, etc.”
Umebuali listed Akamkpa, Ikom, Odukpani, Yakurr, and Calabar South LGAs as notorious for high consumption of assorted lethal and illegal drugs.
“There are several new substances that have been discovered. And Calabar South LGA is actually the hub where hard drugs and other substances are distributed and consumed in large quantities.
“In Akamkpa, Ikom, and Odukpani LGA, we discovered massive Cannabis farms. There are more than 100 hectares of these farms that we have so far destroyed.
“We noted that many of those cultivating these farms are not even from Cross River but connived with unscrupulous landowners to give out these vast lands at agreed fees, and employed locals to work there.”
She disclosed that the cultivation of Cannabis Certi has been shifted from states like Edo and Ondo to Cross River and other hinterlands.
The drug enforcement boss disclosed that in six months, they have arrested 208 drug peddlers and consumers.
“We arrested 208 drug users. Out of this number, 181 are male while 27 are female. We seized 3,475.65 kg, translating to 3.5 tons of hard drugs. Top of these is Cannabis Certi.”
She vowed that nobody, including traditional, religious, or political chieftains or drug farms, would be spared in their ongoing clampdown despite the humongous challenges confronting them.
“As you know, when you fight such criminal elements and destroy their source of livelihoods, they will fight back. But my mandate is to curb all drugs-related activities in the state.”
She explained that everyone has the right to arrest offenders but must hand such over immediately to appropriate enforcement agencies.
She commended traditional dignitaries and the state government who have been very supportive in the fight against drug activities.
She mentioned that there are two-pronged sensitization programmes, including drug demand reduction and drug demand consumption.
She said they seriously need rehabilitation centres to keep those affected so that they can be detached and reunited with families, adding that the high number of users is frightening.
“We appeal for public support to be able to penetrate hard-to-reach communities where drug abuse is prevalent to save innocent locals,” Umebuali pleaded.
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