The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has revealed that Indian authorities have expressed discomfort with the term “Indian Hemp,” a label commonly used in Nigeria to describe Cannabis Certi, a banned drug.

According to Rachel Umebuali, NDLEA Commander in Cross River State, the term creates a negative association with India, prompting the agency to discourage its usage. Instead, the NDLEA now prefers the term “Cannabis Certi” or local street names like kanja, we-we, Igbo, or marijuana.

Umebuali also raised concerns about rising drug consumption and cultivation in parts of Cross River State, naming Akamkpa, Ikom, Odukpani, Yakurr, and Calabar South LGAs as hotspots.

Key highlights from her briefing including: Over 100 hectares of cannabis farms discovered and destroyed in the state, Many farms are operated by non-indigenous cultivators using leased lands from locals, 208 arrests made in 6 months (181 males, 27 females), 3.5 tons of hard drugs seized, with Cannabis Certi as the most common, and Shift in cultivation from states like Edo and Ondo to Cross River and other hinterlands.

Umebuali emphasized a zero-tolerance approach, stating that no one, whether traditional, political, or religious leaders—will be spared in the crackdown.

 She also appealed for:Rehabilitation centres to help addicts recover and rejoin society, Public support and community collaboration, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

Two-pronged sensitization programs focusing on drug demand reduction and awareness.