The Nigeria Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Imo State Command has charged hotel operators in Imo State to be vigilant and always ensure that their facilities are not converted into hideouts for drug trafficking and abuse by some unscrupulous elements in the state.
The Public Relations Officer, PRO, of the agency, Mr Lamuwa Shehu issued the stern warning last week while presenting a paper at the end of the year Get-together/One-Day Training programme organized by the state chapter of Nigeria Hotel Association, NHA.
Reiterating the agency’s resolve and poise to intensify the war against drug trafficking and abuse in various parts of the state, Shehu regretted that the lives of many children had been ruined and rendered ‘useless’ as a result of drug abuse in some parts of the state.
He identified such areas as Assah, Awara and Umuokanne in Ohaji/Egbema Council Area of the State as hotbeds of drug peddling and abuse by both adults and underaged children describing the scenario as an ugly development that needs to be checked without delay.
The NDLEA spokesman therefore, warned Hotel proprietors, management and staff to always place an eagle eye on their guests and expose any drug peddler or addict among them trying to use their facilities as hideous.
He further warned that any hotel operator found to be using its facilities as a safe haven for drug trafficking, abuse and addiction risk the sealing of their establishment by the agency.
Shehu whose paper dwelt on various types of illicit drugs in the society, and the consequences of drug abuse/addiction, maintained that it is part of the responsibilities of hotels to ensure that their guests do not convert their establishment into veritable spots for drug peddling and consumption.
He said, “It is your duty to know your customers (KYC) to ascertain if they are into drugs or not because such places as swimming pools and bars are where drugs are either taken or sold, if you fail to do this and you are caught, ignorance of the law will not be an acceptable excuse.”
Shehu therefore enjoined the association to partner with the NDLEA, individually and collectively, in the campaign against drug trafficking and abuse just as he advised them to provide occasional refresher courses for their staff to educate them on dangers of drug trafficking/abuse.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chima Chukwunyere- the chief servant of the association, decried the unwholesome activities of the revenue touts and other criminal elements who he said are always on the prowl seeking who to swindle.
He regretted that despite the intervention of Governor Hope Uzodimma to halt the nefarious activities of revenue touts, the criminals have continued to terrorize the industry with impunity.
His words, “Our Commissioner must be a father and mother general, ever willing to protect his large family from revenue touts, hawks and criminals, who are going around looking for whom to scam. Before now, nobody was allowed to go to any hotel without clearance from the commissioner.
“Today, the industry (hotels) has become an ATM machine, that every Dick, Tom and Harry run to for money, not minding the law. The people paid to serve and protect us are also guilty of the same offence.”
The Chairman also decried the involvement of some hotel management and staff in sharp practices and urged members to always remain law-abiding by complying with directives by the security agencies on the movement of guests, in and out of the hotels.
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In his goodwill message, Imo State Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Barr. Jerry Egemba commended the leadership of Imo NHA for striving to maintain good working relationships with the state government through his ministry assuring them of the present administration’s readiness to reciprocate by providing the enabling business environment.
Egemba who described Imo as a virile place for the hospitality industry and tourism, urged the hoteliers to always keep proper records of guests to ensure that criminal elements do not use their place to commit crimes.
He stressed that the Hope Uzodimma administration is committed to providing security across the state emphasizing that security is germane and fundamental to the success of the hospitality industry and tourism, at large.
“We need synergy to achieve the quality of society we all are craving for and be able to mutually benefit from the partnership. Under my watch, government shall give priority attention to the hospitality industry. All we need is for you to fulfil your obligations to the state by paying your taxes and the government will in turn acknowledge you and fulfil its own part.” Egemba added.
The event featured presentation of papers by organizations like the Department of State Services, DSS, Imo State Fire Service, NDLEA and a private consultant, Engr. Chibuike Diala, CEO of Sustainable Eco6tems who spoke on the topic, “Value Chains of Tourism.”
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