NDLEA blames rising club houses for drug abuse in Kwara community

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kwara State, Nigeria, points to the proliferation of club houses around Kwara State University as a primary driver of rising drug abuse among students and young people.

“

We have been making repeated arrests involving the abuse of laughing gas in Malete town, and this is very heartbreaking. In fact, one suspect was arrested behind a hostel located outside the school premises.

Fatima Popoola, the NDLEA Commander for Kwara State, highlighted the alarming trend of laughing gas abuse, reporting multiple arrests in the Malete area. She explained that while establishing clubs is not inherently problematic, the activities within them are a serious concern. Popoola also criticized some landlords and house agents for renting rooms in student hostels to individuals who then use these spaces for drug dealing, making substances readily available to students.

“

There are many club houses in Malete, and laughing gas is being abused by young people at parties and other social gatherings. When it is inhaled, it affects the brain, causing users to laugh uncontrollably and behave abnormally.

The agency has apprehended students, including females, involved in drug sales, with some claiming they turned to illicit trade to fund their education. Popoola praised Kwara State University for being the first tertiary institution in the state to implement the Federal Government's drug integrity testing policy, indicating a commitment to addressing the issue.

“

Establishing clubs where young people gather is not a crime. What is important is the kind of activities taking place there, and that is where our concern lies.