The  Commander of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Gombe State, Ekaete Egwunwoke, has called for accelerated trials of drug offenders in the state.

Mrs Egwunwoke spoke in Gombe on Tuesday.

She said that the high number of drug offences in the state required swift and decisive response from all stakeholders.

The anti-narcotics agency boss urged the ministry of Justice to collaborate with the court to hasten the conclusion of drug related cases in the courts.

Mrs Egwunwoke expressed concern over the attitude of members of the public to the increasing number of drug and substance abuse among youths in the state.

She said the failure to tame the spate of drug and substance abuse in the state, has the potential to become severe with devastating effects on lives and property.

The commander said that with the current harsh economic situation in the country, some youths have resorted to the consumption of drugs to commit crimes.

She urged parents and members of the community to remain vigilant and report drug dealers to the relevant authorities for appropriate punishment.