The NDLEA is not alone with this concern as health workers have also warned that cannabis smokers are more susceptible to getting infected with COVID-19.

Cannabis smoking is the inhalation of smoke or vapours released by heating the flowers, leaves, or extracts of cannabis and releasing the main psychoactive chemical, tetrahydrocannabinol, which is absorbed into the bloodstream via the lungs.

Since the Federal Government’s pronouncement of lockdown in states affected by COVID-19, there has been heightened report of how local cannabis sellers are embracing trading on the dark web, online vending of cannabis and other psychotropic substances online.

It could be recalled that the NDLEA had warned on June 23, 2020, that the COVID-19 lockdown in states affected by COVID-19 could give rise to drug addiction and experimentation of newer concoctions.

Chairman of the agency, Col. Muhammad Abdallah (retd.) gave the warning at a virtual news briefing to commemorate the 2020 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking in Abuja.

“In the light of the prevailing atmosphere of COVID-19, drug-dependent persons are more acutely at risk because of their usually attendant underlying health issues, social stigmatization, and the dearth of access to health care.

“Making matters worse is the fact that the front burner currently is the exclusive pressure of COVID-19, other matters less so. That is why there has never been time much worse for drug-dependent persons. The lockdown merely accentuated the dilemma,” he said.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan has joined Serie A side AS Roma on a permanent basis.

Micki leaves us following his season-long loan in Italy. We have agreed to terminate his contract with us by mutual consent to allow him to join Roma in a permanent move.
 
The Armenia international joined us from Manchester United in January 2018 and memorably marked his first Premier League start for us with a hat-trick of assists in a 5-1 win over Everton. 

During his time with us, Micki helped us reach the 2019 Europa League final and he claimed a total of 13 assists and scored nine goals in all competitions as a Gunner.
 
A history maker for his country, Micki is Armenia's all-time top goalscorer and has been named Armenian Footballer of the Year nine times.
 
Everyone at Arsenal thanks Micki for his contribution to the club and wishes him all the best for his future with Roma.