NATIONAL Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano State Command said thousands of youths in the state inhaled gutter odour, sniff bicycle solution as well as take overdose of Benzyl cough syrup to get drugged, just as 558 suspects were so far arrested in the past six months.

The state NDLEA commander Barrister Nicholas Walter Salu who disclosed this during a press conference held to mark this years UN Anti-Drug day, described the recent discovery of the command as very disturbing because they cannot prosecute perpetrators.

Barrister Salu who said the command has been ranked number one in the country, said its achievements within the last six months almost doubled what they had in 2006-2007 because of the team work of officers in the command.

He further disclosed that hard drugs weighing over 2,080,849 kg were seized from suspects, while 73 suspects were convicted, another 201 suspects were also counseled by the command during the period under review.

The Kano NDLEA boss then called on the state House of Assembly to assist the command by enacting a law to regulate the sale of bicycle solution and other local intoxicants in the state to enable them make Kano a drug free state.

Said he, "There is no doubt that the drug abuse is a global problem, while we strive to do our part very well in Kano State, we call for understanding, co-operation and assistance from all sectors of the state, together with international organization to contribute their quota to addressing the problem."

On the collaboration with Hisba (Sharia law enforcer), he said the feat achieved by the command this year was as a result of the contribution of the Hisba men, adding that the agency will continue to work with them to fight the menace of drug in the state.

Said he, "Let me tell you frankly, there is no way I can deny that the command currently has very cordial relationship with the Hisba command in Kano State and even the A daidaita sahu team. We are even proposing to train some of their men to effectively assist us."

Blaming politicians for the upsurge of drug abuse in the state, he appealed to those who take advantage of the youths because of the hard economic situation in the country to achieve their selfish interest to have a rethink because of the adverse effect it has in the state.

He charged youths to be wary of action selfish politicians who abuse their right and future with selfish interest and shun them whenever they are being invited, added that a wasted youthfulness has damaging consequence on them. Barrister Salu who says his door is open for any useful information from the members of the public, warned drug barons, traffickers and money launders to change their heart from illicit businesses, as his command will work around the clock to arrest them.