Drugs: Saudi govt gets tough, warns Nigerians

Posted by admin Africa & World Politics, Headlines Sunday, September 1st, 2013

Written by Kola Oyelere – Kano

Sunday, September 1, 2013

THE Saudi Arabian authorities have read the riot act to intending pilgrims from Nigeria to the holy land that whoever is caught with drugs during this year’s Hajj exercise would be punished in accordance with the laws of the country.

The Saudi Arabian Consul-General in Kano, Majid Muhammad Algahthani, made this known during an interactive session with officials of pilgrims’ board in the North.

He disclosed that stiff penalty awaited any pilgrim found with drugs, saying the warning became necessary for intending pilgrims to Mecca, as the authority would not allow any act to dent the principle of pilgrimage.

Algahthani appealed to the pilgrims’ board to enlighten intending pilgrims on the dangers inherent in carrying drugs, including local herbs.

Speaking at the occasion, the zonal coordinator of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Umar Bala, explained that the meeting with stakeholders was convened in order to identify areas of cooperation.

Alhaji Bala disclosed that the board would educate intending pilgrims from the country on the need to be upright and transparent while performing this year’s pilgrimage.

In another development, four people have been sentenced to six months in prison with an option of N20,000 fine each for illegal hawking of traditional medicine using loudspeakers and vulgar language in Kano metropolis.

This was contained in a statement by the senior special assistant to the Kano state Governor on private health institutions Dr. Salisu Ahmed Ibrahim, a copy of which made available on Friday to Saturday Tribune.

He said government has already banned the hawking of medicines using loudspeakers as it was against the norms and values of the state.

He therefore advised those engaging in such unholy businesses to desist or face the wrath of the law.

-Punchwp_posts