Lawyer Wants Community Action Against Drug Abuse

A lawyer assigned as Public Defender in Grand Kru County, Tarku W. Weah, has urged communities to play a more active role in supporting the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) in the fight against drug abuse.

Weah described the drug crisis as one of the country’s most pressing developmental challenges.

He spoke on Friday, June 26, at program that marked this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The event was held in Barclayville City, Grand Kru County.

Atty. Weah stressed the need for every member of society to protect their communities from the devastating effects of illicit drugs.

The celebration was held under the global theme: “The World Drug Problem: Persisting Challenges, New Threats, Innovative Responses, and Strengthening Communities for a Drug-Free Liberia.”

Weah also presented a paper on “The Community and Its Role in the Fight Against Drug Abuse.”

He said, communities must no longer remain passive observers, but should actively work with law enforcement to combat the growing drug epidemic.

Weah emphasized the need for communities to collectively safeguard lives, protect children, preserve property, and create a safe environment for economic and social development.

Drug abuse, he recalled has destroyed families, fuel criminal activities, damage businesses, tarnish the image of communities and rob many young Liberians of their future.

“Every community must take ownership of the fight against drugs by reporting suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities, educate young people about the dangers of substance abuse, and promote sustained public awareness.”

Meanwhile, LDEA Grand Kru Commander, Alex Toweh, disclosed how the Agency had confiscated various illegal drugs with a combined street value of US$90,892, equivalent to approximately L$17,269,480, during the period under review.

Toweh described the seizures as evidence of the Agency’s continued commitment to crack down on illicit drug trafficking, but noted that law enforcement alone cannot win the battle.

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed annually to raise awareness about the dangers of illicit drugs, and to encourage governments, institutions, and communities to strengthen efforts to prevent drug abuse and trafficking worldwide.