CALABAR – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Cross River State Command, has identified cannabis, tramadol, codeine-based cough syrups, and methamphetamine as the most commonly abused substances in the state.
State Commander CN John Anteyi disclosed this during a press briefing on Tuesday in Calabar to mark the 2026 United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
According to the Commander, the substances commonly abused in Cross River State include cannabis (marijuana), tramadol and other prescription opioids, codeine-based cough syrups, methamphetamine and other synthetic drugs, cocaine, heroin, sedatives and tranquilizers, alcohol, tobacco products (including cigarettes and vapes), and inhalants such as glue, petrol, paint thinners, and other volatile substances.
Commander Anteyi expressed alarm over the increasing trend of mixing multiple substances to achieve stronger intoxicating effects, warning that such practices significantly increase the risk of addiction, mental illness, overdose, and even death.
He identified several factors driving drug abuse among youths, including peer pressure, unemployment and poverty, family instability, curiosity and experimentation, social media influence, easy access to drugs, cultism and gang activities, and academic and social pressures.
The Command’s enforcement efforts between November 2025 and May 2026 yielded significant results, with the seizure of 6,397.59095kg of Cannabis Sativa, 1.465kg of cannabis seeds, 60.4g of cocaine, 20.17g of heroin, 778.64g of methamphetamine, and 166.36673kg of psychotropic substances, bringing the total quantity of drugs seized to 6,575.009kg.
During the same period, the agency arrested 262 drug offenders comprising 207 males and 55 females, secured 28 convictions, and destroyed 14 hectares of cannabis cultivation farms in Akamkpa Local Government Area.
On her part, the wife of the governor of Cross River State, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, who doubles as the Chair of State Drug Control Committee, reaffirmed the committment of the state government to the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking. Represented by her press secretary Faith Okon, she observed that “drug abuse remains one of the greatest threats to the health, security and future of our people, particularly our your population.” She added that this menace should not be allowed to defined the future of youths.
The Commander warned that drug abuse destroys dreams, weakens families, fuels crime, and undermines development. He called on all stakeholders to join forces in the fight against substance abuse, stressing that no single agency can win the war alone.
“Say No to Drug Abuse. Say Yes to Life, Health, Security and Development,” Commander Anteyi declared.
