National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has said frequent use of illicit drugs by youths was fueling the crisis and criminal activities in the Niger Delta region.

The agency also commended the National Association of Seadogs (NAS) popularly called the Pyrates Confraternity for rolling out a programme to collaborate with NDLEA to tackle the menace of illicit drugs and dangerous substances in Bayelsa State.

NDLEA Commander, Josephine Obi, who spoke in Yenagoa when NAS inaugurated its anti-drug war and unveiled its Anchor Point as a drug-free zone, identified Ovom, Igbogene and Elebele as communities with high use of illicit drugs and substance in the state.

Obi, who was represented by the Head of Drug Demand Reduction, Uzzi Henry, described Bayelsa as a consumer state, saying that had led to upsurge in criminal activities and resurgence of militancy in the creeks.

According to her, the NDLEA since its inception in the state had recorded success in its battle against drug, saying the agency was still in a need of cooperation and active support of non-governmental organizations and other bodies like NAS to help win the war.

She said NDLEA wants to sincerely commend the leadership of NAS for this laudable project of the drug free zone, saying this was what was needed in NDLEA because as an agency they cannot do it alone.