Barely a year ago, community leaders, youths, stakeholders and policy makers focused on the “MKPụRụ MịRị” epidemic in South East Nigeria. It was the talk of town – on social and traditional media space, in summits and seminars, in religious and social gatherings and on every platform that its audience cared to listen. One year later, can it be said that the war is already won? Or that the world has just moved on?

 

MKPURU MMIRI, methamphetamine, meth, crystal meth, ice, desoxyn, methedrine or whatever name you choose to call it is a potent central nervous system stimulant that is mainly used as a recreational drug and less commonly as a second-line treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity. It is rarely prescribed over concerns involving human neurotoxicity and potential for recreational use as an aphrodisiac and euphorian

 

It is established that many of the patrons of the illicit drug are ignorant of the side effects which may lead to many mental health problems or death. Meth is associated with high addiction liabilit

 

Available evidence shows that methamphetamine was manufactured during the World War II for Japanese soldiers to stay awake and agile. It is supposed to be administered on prescription, if there is need for such. However, with the high level of poverty in the country, peer group influence, relative lax in moral values in the society, violent agitations, and rising unemployment, the consumption of the substance has been on the increase

 

In its resolve to curb the menace, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) set up a special task force to dismantle the production and distribution of the harmful drug. The Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, retired Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa said the measure had become necessary considering the rate the youths consume the deadly drug. He urged communities across the country to take ownership of the war against drug abuse by revealing those engaged in the abuse and trafficking of illicit drug

 

Relevant government agencies and organizations should key into the initiative by the NDLEA. The National Orientation Agency, NOA, and other related agencies at the state and local government levels through vigorous enlightenment and awareness campaigns should become part of the fight. Families, communities and faith-based organizations also should not relent in the campaign to rid the society of the killer drug. The unbridled consumption of MKPURU MIRI is a national crisis that demands urgent attention. Unless the battle against the supply and consumption of the drug is diligently prosecuted, the future of the youths will be in dange

 

NDLEA should also intensify its campaign at secondary and tertiary institutions where there are preponderance of patrons. The special task force of the NDLEA should increase its  efforts towards apprehending and prosecuting the producers, distributors and promoters of the harmful drug. All those found culpable in the illegal but lethal trade must be made to face the full wrath of the law. This is the only way to dissuade others from indulging in the deadly busines

 

Let government at all levels engage the youths in productive activities. If the youths are gainfully employed, they would probably not indulge in the consumption of MKPURU MIRI or engage in other vices. Parents should monitor the company their children keep as well as the programmes they are exposed to on the social medi

 

The war against the dreaded illicit drug may, arguably, have been won but for the win to last, the campaign must be sustained. The hands must remain on the ploug

 

 

Written by PROF. ANTHONY EZE

h.a.s.r.s.. y.t.Wr

h.a.s.r.s.. y.t./W

h.a.s.r.s.. y.t.   PROF. ANTHONY EZE/

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