The Ugoni Community in Ebonyi State has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for dismantling an alleged industrial-scale methamphetamine laboratory in Ugoni Okposi Okwu, urging the agency to thoroughly investigate the operation and prosecute anyone found culpable.

The community however appealed to authorities to ensure that innocent residents are not collectively stigmatized over the alleged activities of individuals.

Patron of the Ugoni Youth Development Union, Chinonso Obasi who spoke to newsmen on Wednesday, said the community did not support, harbour or encourage illicit drug production or any criminal enterprise.

Obasi, a former National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and Pioneer National President of the Nigerian Youth Union (NYU), said the reported discovery of the laboratory had attracted significant public attention, stressing that the full facts remained subject to investigation and due process.

He said: “Let me state categorically: Ugoni Community does not stand with criminals. Ugoni stands with peace, lawfulness, responsible enterprise, youth development and the rule of law.”

Obasi called on the NDLEA and other security and law-enforcement agencies to deepen their investigation, identify all persons connected to the alleged operation and ensure that anyone found culpable was brought to justice in accordance with Nigerian law.

He particularly commended Deputy Commander Kabiru Zakari of the NDLEA Special Operations Unit, who he said reportedly led the operation, noting that the exercise was conducted without reported loss of life or casualty within the community.

Onani also praised the leadership of the NDLEA under its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), for the agency’s efforts against illicit drug production, trafficking and abuse.

According to him, methamphetamine production and distribution posed serious threats to public health, community safety and the future of young people.

He said the community supported a “thorough, professional and impartial investigation” into the circumstances surrounding the establishment and operation of the alleged laboratory.

Obasi said illicit drug laboratories, if allowed to operate undetected, could expand their networks and expose communities, particularly young people, to serious social, economic and public-health consequences.

He added that the community remained committed to cooperating with lawful authorities to protect its residents and preserve a safe environment for children and future generations.

“At the same time, we appeal to the authorities to ensure that the innocent members of our community are not collectively stigmatized because of the alleged actions of individuals. The criminal activities of individuals must not become the identity of an entire community.”

He described Ugoni as a peaceful community with a proud history and vibrant youth population, stressing its commitment to peaceful coexistence and national development.