World Drug Day Shocker: Drugs Behind Rising Crime And Mental Illness – Experts Say

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) has raised an alarm over the escalating rate of drug abuse in the country, warning that it is driving a rise in mental health issues, criminal activities, school dropouts, and family disintegration — all of which threaten national development.

In a statement marking the 2025 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, ACPN National Chairman, Pharm. Ezeh Ambrose Igwekamma, highlighted the devastating ripple effects of uncontrolled substance abuse on individuals and society at large.

“Each tablet sold without a prescription, every diverted bottle of codeine syrup, and every illegally traded narcotic represents more than just a crime — it is a direct assault on our future,” he said. “Drug abuse leads to mental illness, criminality, broken homes, early deaths, and shattered dreams. It obstructs personal growth and undermines national progress.”

Pharm. Igwekamma emphasized that community pharmacists, as primary healthcare providers within local communities, are on the frontlines of this growing crisis. They regularly witness the damaging effects of drug misuse, especially among young Nigerians.

He called for immediate and coordinated action in line with the 2025 theme: “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”

For over a decade, he noted, the ACPN has promoted drug abuse awareness through initiatives like the National Anti-Drug Abuse Competition for secondary school students — aimed at early intervention and mindset transformation. This initiative, he said, aligns with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) global strategy.

Pharm. Igwekamma urged regulatory bodies to strengthen the control and monitoring of controlled substances to prevent illegal diversion. He also advocated for empowering community pharmacists to detect early warning signs of drug misuse, offer counseling, and support rehabilitation efforts.

He reaffirmed the ACPN’s commitment to grassroots sensitization campaigns and called on government agencies, civil society organizations, security operatives, traditional and religious leaders, educators, and parents to step up efforts in education, prevention, and intervention.