Drug Trafficking – JSS3 Social Studies Lesson Note (Third Term)

Drug trafficking is the production, distribution and sale of illegal drugs within or outside a country.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define drug trafficking;
2. distinguish between drug trafficking and drug abuse;
3. give reasons why people engage in drug trafficking;
4. state the consequences of drug trafficking;
5. describe ways of preventing drug trafficking and the work of the NDLEA.

What is drug trafficking?

Drug trafficking is the illegal business of making, moving and selling banned drugs for money.

• Production: growing or making illegal drugs, such as growing Indian hemp (cannabis).
• Transport or smuggling: moving the drugs secretly from one place or country to another.
• Distribution: passing the drugs to middlemen and sellers.
• Sale: selling the drugs to users.

Examples of illegal drugs

• Indian hemp (cannabis): a plant drug that is smoked, also called marijuana.
• Cocaine: a white powder made from the coca plant.
• Heroin: a powerful drug made from the opium poppy.

Which agency fights drug trafficking in Nigeria?

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is the Nigerian agency that mainly works to stop drug trafficking.

• Arrest: it arrests people who produce, carry or sell illegal drugs.
• Prosecution: it takes offenders to court.
• Checking borders: its officers search for drugs at airports, seaports and border posts.
• Public enlightenment: it teaches people, especially young people, the dangers of drugs.
• Counselling and rehabilitation: it helps drug users to stop.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) also helps by controlling the quality and sale of drugs in Nigeria.

What is the difference between drug trafficking and drug abuse?

Drug trafficking is the illegal business of producing and selling drugs.

Drug abuse is the wrong use of any drug, such as taking it without a doctor’s advice or in too large an amount.

Why do people engage in drug trafficking?

People engage in drug trafficking mainly because of poverty, ignorance, greed, peer influence and the demand for drugs.

• Poverty: hardship has pushed many people, including unemployed youths, into drug trafficking within and outside Nigeria.
• Ignorance: many people involved do not know the harm it can cause them.
• Greed or the wish to get rich quick: a strong desire for money leads some Nigerians into the trade.
• Peer influence: some people become traffickers through the influence of their friends.
• Demand from some people in sports: some sportspeople buy drugs to improve their strength and speed, and this keeps the trade going.
• Unemployment: young people without jobs may accept easy offers to carry drugs.

What are the consequences of drug trafficking?

Drug trafficking harms the trafficker, the family and the country.

Consequences for the trafficker

• Death sentence: in countries such as Saudi Arabia and Singapore, traffickers can be sentenced to death when caught.
• Life imprisonment: in other countries, traffickers are jailed for life.
• Loss of property: the property of traffickers can be seized and forfeited to the state.
• Loss of freedom and future: a convicted person loses years of schooling, work and family life.

Consequences for the family

• Shame: traffickers bring shame to their families.
• Loss of support: the family loses a breadwinner when he or she is jailed or executed.

Consequences for the country

• Bad image: traffickers bring shame to their country abroad.
• More drug abuse: more drugs on the streets lead to more addicts and ill health.
• More crime: drug users and sellers may be involved in stealing, violence and other crimes.
• Wasted manpower: young people who should build the nation are lost to drugs and prison.

How can drug trafficking be prevented?

Drug trafficking can be prevented through education, job creation, firm punishment, strong agencies and international cooperation.

• Education: people should be taught the dangers of drug trafficking in schools, homes, churches, mosques and the media.
• Poverty alleviation: programmes must be started to give young people jobs and skills.
• Serious punishment: offenders should receive heavy penalties to warn others.
• Strong agencies: the NDLEA and NAFDAC should be well equipped and given more power to control drug abuse and trafficking.
• International cooperation: all nations must work together to arrest traffickers.
• Good parenting and role models: parents and teachers should guide children away from bad friends.

Evaluation

1. Define drug trafficking.
2. State two differences between drug trafficking and drug abuse.
3. Give four reasons why people engage in drug trafficking.
4. State three consequences of drug trafficking.
5. Describe four ways of preventing drug trafficking.

Assignment

Write a short talk of about ten sentences to warn young people in your community against drug trafficking. Mention its causes, its consequences and the work of the NDLEA.