The Sokoto State Government on Friday inaugurated an inter-agency task force to fight drug abuse and circulation of counterfeit drugs and other unwholesome products.
According to NAN, reports that the task force inaugurated by the state Health Commissioner, Dr Balarabe Kakale, had its membership drawn from ministries, military, voluntary organisations and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and the National Security and Civil Defence Corps also has representation.
Kakale said: “The state government set up the task force out of great concern for the future of our people, especially youths.
” The task force is to be creating awareness and sensitising the public to the dangers of drug abuse, and tackling circulation of substandard and counterfeit medicines.”
The commissioner charged the members of the committee to discharge their assignment without fear or favour.
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Alhaji Almustapha Othman, and the Director, Pharmaceutical Services, Alhaji Muhammad Musa, solicited the support of the state residents and other stakeholders for the success of the task force.
He advised dealers on illicit drugs and other killer-substances to steer clear of the state.
” If they don’t heed to this clarion call, nemesis will soon catch up with them, as their days are numbered.
” The state government will leave no stone unturned to apprehend them,” Kakale warned.