NDLEA’s Anti-Meth Campaign Bears Fruit as Mkpụrụmmiri Becomes Scarce and Costly in Anambra

 

The fight against drug abuse in Anambra State has recorded a significant breakthrough as the street price of methamphetamine—locally known as Mkpụrụmmiri—has skyrocketed from N3,500 to an alarming N16,500 per gram. This dramatic surge in price has been directly attributed to the intensified crackdown by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which has made the once rampant narcotic scarce and increasingly inaccessible to users and traffickers.

Commander Onyishi Daniel Ogbonna, the NDLEA’s State Commander in Anambra, made this revelation during a recent award ceremony hosted by the Ultimate Business Women and Farmers Association of Nigeria (UBWFAN) in Awka. The NDLEA received accolades for its commitment and effectiveness in disrupting drug networks and curbing substance abuse in the state.

While addressing attendees at the award presentation, Commander Ogbonna pointed to the growing difficulty in sourcing methamphetamine as a direct outcome of the Agency’s persistent enforcement operations. He emphasized that the war against narcotics is being fought on multiple fronts, including the arrest of offenders, dismantling of distribution chains, and aggressive surveillance across Anambra and neighboring states.

“We are going hard on the traffickers and users,” Ogbonna declared. “That is why the cost of methamphetamine has risen sharply. The drug is no longer easily accessible to addicts because of our consistent enforcement drive.”

Public health and safety experts have long warned about the dangers of Mkpụrụmmiri, a substance known for its highly addictive properties and severe mental and physical effects. By making it more difficult to acquire, NDLEA hopes to not only save lives but also reduce the social ills that accompany its abuse.

The event also served as a platform for a strategic partnership between the NDLEA and UBWFAN, a prominent women-led organization boasting over 8,000 members across the nation. Commander Ogbonna praised the association for its grassroots reach and expressed readiness to work hand-in-hand with its members to further the anti-drug agenda.

UBWFAN’s third annual National Convention, themed “Role of Mothers in Nation’s Security,” gathered more than 500 women leaders from across all 21 local government areas of the state. The initiative brought together stakeholders and service commanders to deliberate on the role of women in shaping a safer and drug-free society.

“Mothers are uniquely positioned in the fight against drug abuse,” Ogbonna noted. “They are the first line of defense in the home, and with the right knowledge, they can help prevent their children from falling into the trap of substance abuse.”

Hon. Nkiru Nwagbo, UBWFAN’s National President, reinforced the significance of the NDLEA’s progress. According to her, the Agency’s relentless offensive against illicit drugs has directly contributed to a notable decline in both drug usage and insecurity within the state.

She further emphasized that drug abuse lies at the root of many societal problems—from theft and violence to a breakdown in moral values—and hailed the collaboration between law enforcement and civic groups as a model worth emulating.

“Our security agencies are working in harmony with the state government, and the results speak for themselves,” Nwagbo affirmed. “We’re witnessing a safer, more secure Anambra, thanks to unified efforts.”

Her remarks also highlighted the growing movement among mothers to act as frontline defenders against drug culture. Through UBWFAN’s network, women are being empowered to serve as educators, counselors, and watchdogs in their communities, driving awareness campaigns and offering support to vulnerable youths.

Both Ogbonna and Nwagbo agreed that sustaining momentum in the anti-drug war requires continued grassroots mobilization, education, and inter-agency cooperation. With drug prices soaring and methamphetamine availability plummeting, there is cautious optimism that Anambra State may be turning the tide against the menace of drug abuse.

As the state sets a precedent in its handling of this public health crisis, observers are watching closely to see how such community-driven collaborations can serve as a blueprint for nationwide efforts.