Nigerien Government Destroys 915 Tons Of Pharmaceuticals And Over 51,000 Shisha Items To Protect Public Health

The Governor of Niamey, Brigadier General Assoumane Abdou, along with the Public Prosecutor, security officials, and the head of the protection division for minors and women, destroyed 915 tons of pharmaceutical products and over 51,000 shisha items on Friday.

This action was part of efforts to safeguard public health, particularly the mental health of young people. The pharmaceutical products and shisha were seized throughout 2024 during inspections by Niamey Customs. The shisha items were taken during police operations following the Governor’s July 24, 2024, decree banning shisha use in Niamey.

Governor Abdou thanked the Defence and Security Forces (FDS) for their work as he stressed the need to protect the physical and mental health of the population. He also called on the people to find honest ways to make a living and condemned the import and sale of illegal pharmaceuticals.

He added that while shisha may have started as a trend, mixing it with illegal substances is a crime. He called on the public to support efforts to improve public health.

Meanwhile, the Public Prosecutor, Ousmane Beido, suggested strengthening laws to ensure that offenders face consequences beyond just having their goods destroyed. He also warned that going forward, offenders will be responsible for the costs of destruction.

Chief Commissioner Zouéra Hassan Haousseyzé, head of the protection division for minors and women, said field operations will continue to address juvenile delinquency and narcotics use, particularly shisha, given the danger and harmful consequences it causes on Nigerien youth. She warned that harsher penalties, including criminal charges for endangering lives, will now be enforced.

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