Report shows rise in use of New Psychoactive Substances

Author(s): Jewel Stephen
The 2013 World Drug Report released officially in Abuja by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on Friday June 5, 2013, has raised alarm concerning the global rise in New Psychoactive Substances (NPS).
The report shows that while the use of traditional drugs such as heroin and cocaine seems to be declining in some parts of the world, use of prescription drug abuse and new psychoactive substances rose by 50 per cent from 166 at the end of 2009 to 251 by mid-2012.
This is the first time the number of NPS will exceed the total number of substances under international control which is 234.
UNODC representative in Nigeria, Mariam Sissoko, expressed concern about West Africa’s vulnerability to organised crime, including drug trafficking, which may contribute to drug use in the region.
“The world drug report indicates that West Africa has assumed an important role as a hub for cocaine trafficking from South America en route to Western and Central European markets. The region was also assessed to be used for the trafficking of heroin originating from Afghanistan via Pakistan,” Sissoko stated.
She hinted that the Commission on Narcotic Drugs would, in 2014, hold a high-level review of the Political Declaration and Plan of Action adopted by United Nations member States on the liberalisation of the use of certain substances other than medical or scientific purposes.
Reacting to the report, the Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade, said that Nigeria was not contemplating the legalisation of controlled drugs, particularly cannabis, for recreational use.
While presenting the highlight of the report, Professor Isidore Obot, the Head of the Department of Psychology, University of Uyo, noted that some Africa countries like Angola, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Togo and South Africa have reported new harmful psychoactive substances.
In his words, “NPS is not a new phenomenon but increasingly a global phenomenon. New approaches must be adopted and explored in the control of these substances. The report has also suggested early warning on identified new psychoactive substances.”
These substances, sometimes referred to as ‘legal highs’, are multiplying in numbers and becoming more widespread geographically, causing great concern as officials struggle to contain them. NPS are substances of abuse, either in a pure form or a preparation, that are not controlled by the 1961 Convention on Narcotic Drugs or the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, but which may pose a public health threat. In this context, the term ‘new’ does not necessarily refer to new inventions but to substances that have recently become available.
Giade, in his address, said that the world leaders must continue to respond to the ever changing nature of the drug trade.
“The drive for addiction is growing daily and world leaders must continue to check drug addiction especially among youths. In Nigeria, the Agency has observed with dismay, the abuse of substances not under international control like a local plant called Zakami. The abuse of licit solvents like fuel, nail polish cleaner, rubber solution and others present a unique challenge that must be addressed through advocacy and public education,” he said.
The NDLEA boss called for the incapacitation of drug syndicates, to prevent the use of drug proceeds in funding acts of terror.
In furtherance of this, the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), is partnering with the NDLEA to address the problem of drug abuse in the country.
“NAFDAC is working with the NDLEA to educate youths on the dangers of drug abuse. We carry out enlightenment at motor packs, schools and orientation camps for members of the National Youth Service Corps. This relationship has help in reducing the drug addiction in the country,” the Director General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, said.
SOURCE ;NIGERIAN TELEGRAPH