The Commander of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Akwa Ibom State, Mrs Josephine Obi, has decried the upsurge drug abuse in the society.

The state NDLEA Commander, said this on Thursday during the Anti-Drug Abuse Awareness Seminar organised by Eket Area Command of the agency at Nsit Ubium Local Government.

The seminar was organised by the NDLEA in partnership with ExxonMobil Qua Iboe Terminal (QIT), Ibeno.

Obi attributed the malaise to unfavourable social conditions and declining moral values that encourages wealth without work.

“There is such a great increase in drug abuse and trafficking today due to very unfavourable social conditions and declining moral values which encourage wealth without work,’’ she said.

She said that people turned to drugs either to escape from the realities of the moment or as a means of quick and profitable business that required little or no investment.

She said others who resorted to drugs complained of unfavourable social background hence the desire to feel good and live movie-like lifestyle without working for it.

“They do not know or close their eyes to the fact that illicit drugs are also a quick road to prison, societal insecurity, ill-health, destruction and death,’’ Obi said.

The commander stressed the need for increased public enlightenment campaign to ensure that the youths know the dangers inherent in drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

She said that the aim of the seminar was to ensure that people imbibe the culture of living a drug-free life.

“This will in turn ensure healthy, safe and secure society for the benefit of all,’’ she said.

Obi said the agency had put in place arrangement to reach every village, every school, and every home with the drug-free life message on a continual basis.