THE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ekiti State command, has raised the alarm over what it described as the rise in the cultivation and consumption of cannabis sativa, known commonly as Indian hemp, in the state.

The Commander of NDLEA in the state, Mr Bamidele Akingbade, who raised the alarm in Ado Ekiti, while addressing newsmen, at the weekend said over five cases of mentally deranged persons resulting from the use of the substance were reported at the University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, weekly.

According to him, Ekiti was one of the states in the federation “known for cultivation of cannabis,” adding that over 400 acres of Indian hemp farm had been destroyed in the state since he assumed duty in Ekiti last year as the commander in the state and now.

He said it was worrisome that another 100 acres had just been discovered in parts of the state, saying “if this continues, there would be more lunatics on the streets and this would affect the future of our youths who are the leaders of tomorrow.”

According to him, “wherever cannabis is planted, it takes another 10 years to grow another plant there. So, we appeal to our people, especially those in charge of land to discourage giving out their land to people to grow Indian hemp.”

He also disclosed that the agency had arrested 34 suspects since last year when he assumed office for dealing in hard drugs, out of which 24 were prosecuted.
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