Cough syrup now drug of choice among addicts

 

 

Sokoto State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Mohammed Idris, has said that cough syrups have become the drug of choice among addicts because of their codeine content.

He lamented that there is no legislation banning the sale of the drug across the counter, despite its high concentration of codeine, which is addictive.

‘‘Our investigations revealed that cough syrups with high codeine content are being sought after in the market, and that manufacturers and peddlers are making huge profit because there is large market for their product.

‘‘Majority of the women among arrested suspects confessed that they took to drugs to suppress depression when they were having marital difficulties. Some also claimed that it boosted their libido,’’ Idris said.

He also revealed that the abuse of cough syrup, which is becoming endemic particularly in the north, has been noticed since 2005 when the agency noticed high proliferation and consumption of cough syrup with high concentration of codeine.

To tackle the upsurge, Idris said, the command has adopted advocacy and invested much on public enlightenment, having realised that people abuse drugs without knowing the social, financial, health and moral implications.

He decried the NDLEA’s inability to effect the arrest of drug peddlers and consumers who have found a safe haven at the army barracks mammy market.

He expressed hope that with the support of the Army authority, the problem would be brought under control.