Fight against drugs - more sensitisation is needed

Despite the many arrests and prosecution of people on drug-related offences, yet more people are getting involved in drug abuse, possession and trafficking in the country.

We, therefore, believe that there is a need for more awareness creation on the drug-related regulations in the country, so as to reduce the status quo.

In fact, of recent, from Foni in West Coast Region to Sandu in Upper River Region the new trends are alarming.

We, therefore, call on the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDEA) and its partners to embark on vigorous community sensitization programs nationwide.

With such programmes, we do hope that the drug-related crimes in the country would be reduced.

While ignorance of the law is no excuse, we firmly believe that raising the awareness of our people such as youths, community elders and local authorities would be of immense benefit to our youths, who are mainly the victims.

The devastating effects of drugs are huge and severe, thus calls for concerted efforts to address the menace.

Just recently, we were told that an estimated fourteen thousand people in the country have mental illness caused by cannabis, the most common drug in the country.

This is a worrying situation and the number of people, especially youths involved in dealing in drugs is also unacceptably high.

While arresting, prosecuting and jailing the culprits is ongoing, creating the much-needed awareness at community level and through public media campaigns should also be explored.