Nteje community in Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State has attributed increase in crime in the area to rising use of hard drugs, particularly mkpulummiri among the youths.
The community, as a result, abolished the sale of hard drugs, while issuing its dealers 14days ultimatum to relocate from the community.
Addressing newsmen on Thursday shortly after meeting of Nteje Development Union (NDU), President General of the community, Mr Chidiebele Obika said the taskforce would comb the villages and fish out dealers for appropriate sanction on the expiration of the two weeks grace.
He said, “NDU has looked into the rise in petty crimes in the community and concluded that it is fuelled by sales and use of hard drugs in Nteje.
“Crimes like stealing, armed robbery, rape are the cause of use of hard drugs by our youths. You will agree with us that the petty thief of today can graduate into a hardened criminal tomorrow.
“That is why we have decided that from today onward, every person in this community who sells cocaine or methamphetamine, which is popularly called mkpurumiri, has 14 days, that is two weeks to prepare and leave the community.
“You know that many productive youths tend to become useless because of the consumption of hard drugs, even those who should either be in school of in business simply abandon them once they become hooked on drug.
“We want to begin early to salvage our youths. That is why we are saying that sales of hard drug in Nteje land has been abolished from today. Dealers have two weeks to relocate out of the community or face trouble.”
