Monarch Warns Pharmacies Over Tramadol Abuse, Seeks Stronger Action
Monarch Raises Concern Over Substance Abuse in Asaba
THE Asagba of Asaba, Epiphany Azinge, has called for stronger collaboration between healthcare professionals and traditional institutions in tackling the growing menace of drug abuse and substance misuse in Asaba and beyond.
The monarch made the call on Wednesday while receiving the leadership of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Delta State Branch, led by its chairman, Pharm. Chief Sir Eze Onyebuchi Nwuke, during a courtesy visit to the palace ahead of the association’s forthcoming summit in Asaba.
Palace Intensifying Crackdown on Illegal Drug Distribution
Speaking during the meeting, the monarch expressed concern over the increasing abuse of controlled substances, particularly tramadol, among youths.
He disclosed that the Palace Executive Council had already mapped out strategies aimed at identifying and exposing pharmacies and chemist shops allegedly involved in the illegal sale of narcotic substances.
“Our intelligence shows that most of these drugs are being traded in chemist shops and pharmacies in this town,” the monarch stated.
He also lamented what he described as the limited involvement of professional groups during earlier anti-drug interventions initiated by the palace, including raids on drug trafficking locations and the establishment of the Asaba Drug Rehabilitation Centre.
Community Healthcare and Rehabilitation Efforts
The royal father highlighted several health interventions already undertaken by the palace, including support for 11 primary healthcare centres across Asaba Kingdom and the deployment of NYSC medical personnel to underserved communities.
According to him, the recently established Asaba Drug Rehabilitation Centre was designed as a community-driven initiative to provide support for individuals battling addiction.
He appealed for sustained partnerships, funding, expertise, and professional support from healthcare stakeholders to ensure the facility remains functional and effective.
Pharmacists Pledge Support
Earlier, Pharm. Chief Sir Eze Onyebuchi Nwuke commended the monarch for his leadership in the fight against drug abuse and for establishing what he described as a pioneering rehabilitation centre.
He disclosed that the association had partnered with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on anti-drug awareness programmes targeting secondary school students and youths across Delta State.
The ACPN chairman also announced plans for the association’s annual summit scheduled for 18 June 2026, in Asaba and proposed a free healthcare outreach programme for palace chiefs and members of the community.
The delegation later presented an award of recognition to the monarch in appreciation of his contributions to public health advocacy and rehabilitation initiatives.
