The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has strengthened partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) towards restricting hawking, sales and consumption of illicit drugs and substances at motor parks.
The Anambra State Sector Commander, FRSC, Mrs Joyce Alexander, made the call on Saturday, during a courtesy call to the office of the State Commander of NDLEA, Mr Ogbonna Onyishi, in Awka.
Mrs Alexander said the partnership with NDLEA was to checkmate drunk driving in the state.
She said the first phase of the operation would focus on advisory, enlightenment and cautioning of erring drivers, while the second phase would be full enforcement.
“This is a familiarisation visit to consolidate on the already existing relationship between FRSC and NDLEA in a bid to sustain partnership and collaboration with sister agencies in the state.
“The FRSC has the mandate to check drunk driving and apprehend drivers found to have violated the Driving Under Influence of Drugs traffic rule, but cannot prohibit the sales of these stimulants or drugs.
“Drunk driving accidents are a leading cause of deaths and injuries among Nigerians, highlighting the need for increased awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving, and motivating behavioural change among drivers.
“We look forward to partnering with your agency to curb the hawking, sale, and consumption of illicit drugs and substances at motor parks,” she said.
Responding, Mr Onyishi, NDLEA state commander, assured the FRSC sector commander of the Agency’s readiness to engage in the proposed joint operations.
“There is no set down rules to prohibit sales of alcohol because it is socially accepted.
“However, other drugs like Indian hemp, cannabis, can be tackled or restricted at the motor parks,” he said.
(NAN)
