The Ugoni community in Ebonyi State has backed the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s efforts to dismantle an alleged industrial-scale methamphetamine laboratory in the area, urging authorities to identify and prosecute everyone connected with its operation.

The community, through the Patron of the Ugoni Youth Development Union, Chinonso Obasi, condemned the alleged production of illicit drugs in Ugoni Okposi Okwu, stressing that the community neither supported nor harboured criminal enterprises.

Obasi, who spoke at a press briefing in Abakaliki on Wednesday, commended NDLEA personnel involved in the operation, particularly Deputy Commander Kabiru Zakari of the agency’s Special Operations Unit, who he said led the exercise.

He called for a thorough, professional and impartial investigation into the establishment and activities of the alleged laboratory, saying anyone found responsible should face the law after due process.

Obasi described methamphetamine as a highly addictive and dangerous illicit substance capable of causing serious harm to individuals, families and communities.

The community also urged the NDLEA and other security agencies to widen their investigation to establish the identities and roles of all persons allegedly connected with the facility.

Obasi said the community was ready to cooperate with the authorities to rid the area of illicit drug production and trafficking.

He noted that clandestine drug laboratories could develop wider criminal networks if allowed to operate undetected, exposing residents, particularly young people, to social, economic and public health risks.

While distancing the wider community from the alleged activities, Obasi appealed to authorities not to stigmatise Ugoni because of the actions of individuals accused of wrongdoing.

He reaffirmed the community’s commitment to peace, lawful enterprise, youth development and the rule of law.

Obasi also commended the NDLEA leadership under its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), for its efforts to combat the production, trafficking and abuse of illicit drugs in Nigeria. \