NDLEA intercepts cocaine, opioids concealed in female sanitary pads in Lagos

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has intercepted a consignments of cocaine and pharmaceutical opioids at three courier firms in Lagos.

The NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi said in a statement on Sunday in Abuja that the drugs were concealed in ladies’ sanitary pads and hair treatment cream containers.

Mr Babafemi said that the consignments were heading to the United Kingdom, Ireland and Cyprus respectively.

According to him, in one of the logistics companies, not less than 30 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.1 kilograms were concealed in hair cream containers.

“They were recovered by NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation, (DOGI), during examination of cargoes going to Ireland on Tuesday Sept. 3

“Another consignment of 24 parcels of cocaine weighing 862 grams also hidden in hair cream containers meant for delivery in UK was equally intercepted at the same company on Friday Sept. 5.

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WHO dismisses report of link between smartphone use and brain cancer

A recent World Health Organization (WHO) analysis has found no link between smartphone use and brain cancer. Concerns over radiation from mobile devices have persisted for decades, and in 2011, the WHO’s cancer division classified this radiation as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”

However, a new study based on several research papers dating back to 1994 found no connection between cellphone usage and cancer, even among heavy users who make frequent calls. The study concluded that the incidence of brain cancers has not increased in correlation with increased mobile phone use.

The research team of eleven specialists from ten countries, including the Australian government’s radiation protection authority, reviewed 63 studies from 1994 to 2022. They examined possible links between exposure to radio waves from wireless technology — such as televisions, baby monitors, and cellphones — and various cancers, including brain and salivary gland tumours and leukaemia.

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The study found that despite the skyrocketing use of wireless technology, the occurrence of cancers has not increased to a corresponding degree. This finding holds true even for individuals who have been using mobile phones for over a decade or frequently engage in lengthy phone conversations.

Mark Elwood, a professor of cancer epidemiology at the University of Auckland in New Zealand and a co-author of the study, stated that none of the key research questions indicated elevated risks.

This review aligns with other similar studies. The WHO and other international health organizations have previously stated that there is insufficient evidence to suggest that mobile phone radiation poses a health risk. However, they have encouraged further research.

WHO dismisses report of link between smartphone use and brain cancer

FG begs doctors to stop warning strike

The Federal Government has urged the members of the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, to halt their seven-day warning strike.

The government said efforts are ongoing to meet the demands of the striking doctors.

The Minister of State for Health, Dr Tunji Alausa, made this known on Thursday in Kaduna during a visit to the National Eye Centre.

Alausa disclosed that negotiations are underway to ensure the release and safe return of their kidnapped colleague, Dr Ganiyat Popoola.

“We are on top of the matter and have been on talking terms with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu ,regarding the issue.

“I have spoken with the Commissioner of Police and everyone is working hard to see that she is released,” he said.

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The minister said that he had held a meeting on Monday with the leadership of NARD over the situation to convince them to call off the strike because it would worsen the situation.

Alausa added that the kidnappers kept changing their demands every moment but the security agencies were working hard to see that she was safely rescued.

Recall that the members of the association began a seven-day warning strike to push for the rescue of a Kaduna-based doctor, Dr Ganiyat Popoola.

Popoola, a staff of the centre, was kidnapped in December, 2023 and has now spent about nine months in the kidnappers’ den.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the association, National Eye Centre, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed,said the strike was still on.

He said that the medical and dental consultants had joined them in the strike and it was a directive from the national body.

FG begs doctors to stop warning strike