Abdoulie Sanyang made this passionate call on Tuesday as he presided over the foundation stone laying of the Gambia’s first-ever correction, rehabilitation and treatment centre at a ceremony held at its complex in Brusubi Tranquil in the West Coast Region.
Funded by ECOWAS Commission to the tune of 9 million dalasis, this new centre when completed, will serve as a symbol of hope and an amplification of nation's commitment to prioritising public health approach in response to the drug problems.
“As you all know, DLEAG is mandated by law to regulate the use and possession of controlled drugs, prohibited drugs, precursors and matters connected therewith. Key among the Agency's functions as indicated in section 15 (f) of the Drug Control Act 2003 is the preparation of guidelines to support persons affected by the misuse of drugs by way of providing proper facilities and services for the treatment, rehabilitation and after-care services to such persons. Therefore, it is evident that the establishment of this facility will enable the Agency to fulfil one of these key functions.” he stated.
Minister Sanyang on behalf of the DLEG Board thanked the ECOWAS Commission for supporting the initiative.
“Equally, I want to thank Director General and his team as well as other valued stakeholders in this project for making the necessary follow-up to ensure that this project comes to reality.”
Minister Sanyang recalled that since the formation of the agency in 2005, DLEAG has registered giant strides in the crusade on drugs, noting that the Agency has over the years recorded several landmark cases that has enabled DLEAG etch its name among leading anti-narcotic agencies in the sub-region.
“Indeed, the Agency has collaborated with agencies across the world and registered large seizure of drugs and in unprecedented interdictions.”
Minister Sanyang, however, reminded that the fight against illicit drug trafficking and abuse is not solely limited to supply suppression regimes.
He observed that issues of drug addiction and substance disorders among youths have become great cause for concern and requires strategic response.
To that end, he said the DLEAG management deems it imperative to prioritise demand reduction initiatives that are centered on the provision of correction, treatment and rehabilitation services.
“It is for that reason that management has been proactively engaged in developing preventive programmes which culminated in the establishment of this facility to strengthen, showing the Agency's commitment in prioritizing public health approach to the solving substance abuse disorders among our youths.” he added.
Furthermore, the Interior Minister acknowledged that the West African Region including The Gambia faces huge challenges regarding the advent of New Psychoactive Substances and the continued evolving trends in the abuse and trafficking of drugs.
He noted that the devastating consequences of drugs like ‘kush’, ecstasy and other psychoactive substances on ‘our youth is evident for all to see,’ reminding that the current situation is being helped by drug cartels using ‘our subregion’ as transit and storage of hard drugs from South America meant for Europe.
This, he observed, has brought about acute complexities that call for balanced and comprehensive responses.
“Counselling services, correction and rehabilitation as for victims of drugs are some of the key responses required of agencies and institutions that work with our youths.”
