The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has issued a stark warning, declaring that rampant drug abuse is a primary driver of mental health disorders, escalating crime rates, and a host of other debilitating social problems across the country. This declaration was made by ACPN National Chairman, Ambrose Ezeh, in a statement released on Thursday to commemorate this year’s World Drug Abuse Day.
In his statement, made available to DAILY POST, Ezeh underscored the severe implications of illicit drug trade and unprescribed medication. “Every tablet sold without prescription or traded illegally is not just a crime but a threat to our collective future,” he asserted. He maintained that the pervasive issue of drug abuse is directly fueling mental health disorders, contributing significantly to crime, and causing a worrying increase in school dropouts nationwide.
Beyond these immediate consequences, Ezeh also highlighted the broader societal damage inflicted by drug abuse, citing its role in family breakdowns and premature deaths. The ACPN national chairman passionately argued that the menace of drug abuse is “crippling dreams and sabotaging national development,” painting a grim picture of its long-term impact on Nigeria’s progress.
In light of these alarming trends, Ezeh, on behalf of the ACPN, issued an urgent call to all stakeholders to “wake up and do the needful.” He implored governments at all levels, civil society groups, security agencies, religious and traditional leaders, parents, and educators to unite their efforts. The call to action emphasizes the need to intensify roles in prevention, education, early intervention, and rehabilitation strategies to combat the scourge effectively.
The statement further urged relevant agencies to implement and enforce stricter controls on the distribution and sale of controlled substances, stressing the critical need to “close the leakage points that allow prescription drugs to enter the illicit market.”
As the global community observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, 2025, the ACPN’s message serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of drug abuse and illicit trafficking on individuals, families, communities, and the nation as a whole.
