Drug Suspects Perception of Factors Responsible For Illicit Drug Trade in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The essence of this study is to determine factors responsible for illicit drug trade in Cross River State, Nigeria. The specific objectives of the study are, to examine the relationship between inadequate manufacturing industry, economic recession, and illicit drug trade in Cross River State. The study adopted survey research design. The design was opted for because it enabled the researcher to get accurate and correct information from the respondents through the administration of questionnaire. Purposive sampling technique was used in selecting one hundred and twenty seven (127) detainee (suspects) from National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Cross River state command. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Elucidated data were statistically analyzed using linear regression to estimate the tested variables. All hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance with 2 degrees of freedom. The result of the analysis shows that a significant relationship exists between inadequate manufacturing industry, economic recession, and illicit drug trade in Cross River state, Nigeria. Based on the findings of this study the following recommendations were made; Government at all levels should endeavour to create conducive atmosphere for industrialist to grow their business. This can be achieve by providing affordable loans with little or no interest, tax holiday, regular and steady power supply, efficient transportation system, ready-made market and other incentives. These will boost production capacities of the available industries and generate employment for job seekers Keywords: drug suspects perception, illicit drug, trafficking, economic recession, and inadequate manufacturing industry