The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Borno State, Nigeria, has raised an alarm about youths consuming fermented human urine, preserved for over 10 days, as an alternative to hard drugs.
According to the Commander of Narcotics of the NDLEA in Borno State, Iliyasu Mani, the abuse of psychoactive substances is prevalent among the youth, who are also resorting to consuming unusual substances.
Mani said, “Let me state categorically here that these new psychoactive substances that are commonly abused today include Cannabis Sativa, skunk, Cough syrup with codeine; Ice, Tramadol, Rohypnol, Diazepam, Pentazocine, rubber solution, glue, gutter dirt, toilet fumes, lizard dung.
“Others include Lipton soaked in gin, camel urine, Mentholated spirit in soft drinks; 10-day-old human Urine, and so on.”
Mani highlighted the challenges faced by the NDLEA in combating substance abuse, particularly among young teens.
Despite the hard battle being fought by the NDLEA under his command, Mani concurred that “unfortunately, the issue of substance abuse is even getting challenging, especially with the involvement of young teens in the abuse of new psychoactive substances, especially women.”
“Despite all these, we must not lose our hope as the agency has strengthened its efforts towards prevention strategy through the establishment of remodeled counselling/rehab centre within the premises of Borno State Command,” the NDLEA commander said.
The NDLEA commander also mentioned the establishment of drop-in centers across all tertiary institutions to serve as drug abuse research centers.
Under Mani’s watch, the NDLEA in Borno State reported seizing 4.5 tonnes of illicit substances and arresting 863 suspects.
Of those arrested, 53 have been convicted, while 736 are undergoing counseling.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime household survey conducted in 2018, but reviewed in 2021 and 2022, indicated a substance abuse prevalence rate in Nigeria of 14.3%, which is three times higher than the global average of 5.6%.
The survey further revealed varying prevalence rates in different regions, with the North-East at 13.6%, North-West at 12%, and North-Central at 10%.
