The Guardian.

Community leaders with the support of the traditional ruler of Okpoama Community in Brass Local Council of Bayelsa State, the Amayanabo of Okpoama Kingdom, His Royal Majesty (HRM), King Emmanuel Ebitimi Banigo have raided and demolished 14 drug peddling spots in the area.

They also seized illicit drugs suspected to be cannabis, benzos, cocaine, Loud and codeine found in such spots. The Guardian gathered that the raid was sanctioned by the monarch, who also approved the flogging of boys indecently dressed to bring sanity to the community.

The community youths and chiefs led by chairman of the Chiefs Council, Chief Inikio Sam Sele-Dede, carried out the action. It was gathered that the decision to move against the illicit drug spots followed upsurge in drug use by youths and the tendencies for violence and indecent dressing.

The Guardian learnt that the raid, which was carried out in the early hours of Sunday, was welcomed by jubilation. A source within Okpoama community said scores of youths with strange haircuts and indecent dressing were apprehended, while those not dressed decently were flogged.

Those with strange haircuts also had them shaved publicly. Speaking at the end of the exercise, Chief Sam Sele-Dede said the community forbids drug peddling and consumption, saying anybody caught will be handed over to law enforcement agents for prosecution.

He commended the resilience and commitment of  the people of the community in checking drug peddling and consumption, and called on dealers in hard drug to keep off the community.