The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Gombe State said on Monday it would destroy 2,489.869 kilograms of various illicit drugs.
Aliyu Adole, the Commandant of the state’s command, said this at the inauguration of NDLEA’s Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre in Gombe.
Adole explained that the drugs were a collection of those seized in the course of 16 years beginning in 2003 when the command was created.
He said: “These drugs if allowed to be circulated in the state would cause greater damage and death to our youth.
“And recently our mothers and wives have found solace in these drugs.”
He described the use and trafficking of the illicit substances as worrisome and a big problem facing the country in general and Gombe state in particular.
Adole said: “Addressing the problems of drug abuse and trafficking is a major challenge facing our society.
“The challenge is so alarming because of the increasing spate of the problem.”
The commandant further said drug addiction could be responsible for the crimes committed by hoodlums in the state.
He praised the state government for rehabilitating the youths that had become involved with illicit drug use and making them useful citizens.