The United Guardian Youths for Development UGYD, a local youth group recently concluded a session on illegal migration at the Kanifing Municipal Council’s hall.
According to Baboucarr Jallow, the head of the association, the two-day forum was meant to create awareness among young people on the effects of drug abuse and trafficking.
He revealed that the association was formed on September 16th 2008, with the aim of empowering youth, and thus advocating their general well-being.
"We also advocate for attitudinal change among young people, such as drug abuse and HIV/AIDs," he said.
Ms. Jainaba Jaign of UGYD stressed that her organisation is concerned with the devastating effects of drugs, thus the need for the sensitisation forum.
She called on the public to join forces with her organisation to tackle the menace of drug abuse, especially among youths.
She informed the gathering that the consequences of drug abuse are many, but noted that one noticeable thing it can cause is that it makes the user to go crazy.
"The abuse of drugs can have severe physical or mental devastating effects on you," she stressed.
Also, addressing the forum was Abdoulie Ceesay from the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDEA), who commended the organisers for the event.
He advised young people to desist from the use of substance abuse, while assuring them of his office's full support.
