They also urged the Federal Government to restructure and reposition the NDLEA to be able to meet the challenges of evasive drug traffickers, using Nigerians to traffic drugs.
These were sequel to a motion sponsored by Senator Gbenga Ashafa and 21 others, and entitled: Nigerians' Involvement in Illicit Global Drugs Trade and Increase in Domestic Drug Abuse by Nigerian Youths.
The Red Chamber further mandated its Committee on Drugs and Narcotics to consider an urgent amendment of Section 23 of the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria Act to include the sale of prescription pills over the counter as an offence punishable by the Act.
Presenting the motion, Ashafa expressed worry that the involvement of Nigerians in the dangerous enterprise is tarnishing the image of the country.
"Our nationals are viewed with suspicion and subjected to demeaning treatment at airports across the world as a result of this negative perception," he added.
He noted with serious concern the engagement of some Nigerians in the usage and smuggling of hard drugs into South-East Asian countries and other parts of the world.
"The Malaysian authorities have again issued a strong statement that 40 percent of the foreigners being arrested for drug offences are from Nigeria. So far, 30 out of 80 foreign students arrested in 2015 were Nigerians, in a country, where drug trafficking attracts the supreme retribution.
"In their desperation, these Nigerians are disguising as university students, colluding with drug syndicates (predominantly outside Nigeria) there to undermine the visa system and gain entrance into Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and other drug traffic routes." he said.
He expressed disappointment that the Federal Government has not done anything to curb the menace, despite the fact that Nigeria currently tops the list of the countries involved in drug trafficking and drug use in West Africa.
"The Federal Government has not swung into strategic action to curb the menace of drug couriers and their sponsors both in and out of Nigeria. The NDLEA is doing its best within its powers, as presently constituted.
"Young Nigerians are being distracted and derailed by the high prevalence of drug abuse/trafficking and as such have become willing tools for crime/ criminal syndicates who find it easier to brainwash young Nigerians in their state of alternative reality or what they refer to as ‘highness’.
"The scenario in Nigeria is also unnerving, in a 2012 report, the International Narcotics Control Board said that Nigeria, was a transit point for cocaine from Latin America destined for Europe. Nigeria also topped the list of the countries involved in drug trafficking and drug use in West Africa, and also the list of drug couriers arrested in Europe in 2011 and 2012," he concluded.
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