The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has said there is a global rise in the use of new psychoactive substances.
The UNODC stated in its 2013 World Drug Report released in Abuja on Friday that the number of abused prescription drugs and psychoactive substances rose from 166 at the end of 2009 to 251 in mid-2012.
A statement by the spokesperson for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, quoted the UNODC as saying that the use of traditional drugs such as heroin and cocaine seemed to be declining in some parts of the world.
The NDLEA said, "This is the first time the number of NPS will exceed the total number of substances under international control, which is 234.
"UNODC representative in Nigeria, Mrs. Mariam Sissoko, expressed concern on the vulnerability of West Africa to organised crime including drug trafficking, which may contribute to drug use in the region.
"The world drug report indicates that West Africa has assumed an important role as a hub for cocaine trafficking from South America en route Western and Central European markets. The region was also assessed to be used for the trafficking of heroin originating from Afghanistan via Pakistan."
Chairman of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, stated that Nigeria was not contemplating the legalisation of controlled drugs, particularly cannabis for recreational use.
The drive for addiction is growing daily and world leaders must continue to check drug addiction especially among the youth. In Nigeria, NDLEA has observed the abuse of substances not under international control like a local plant called Zakami. The abuse of licit solvents like fuel, nail polish cleaner, rubber solution and others presents a unique challenge that must be addressed through advocacy and public education," it stated.
The Punch