UMC Welcomes ‘War On Illegal Drugs’

UMC Welcomes ‘War On Illegal Drugs’

Ahead of today’s much publicized march on illegal substances (drugs), United Methodist Church (UMC) President Samuel J. Quire, Jr. has expressed deep concern over the manner and form in which drugs have permeated the Liberian society. Bishop Quire said the abused of the illegal substances, including Kush, has damaged and continued to destroy the country youthful population. Quire made the disclosure on Tuesday, August 6, 2025, in Monrovia,  He pledged the UMC fullest support to the fight against drugs abuse, stating that members of the UMC are committed to raising awareness, counseling those affected, and providing rehabilitation opportunities to drugs victims in the country.  Quire wholeheartedly welcomed the decision to march in solidarity with some well-meaning Liberians in the streets to ensure that the dangerous substances are controlled and eradicated from the country. He meanwhile, commended President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for his stern commitment in fighting and ensuring that the menace is fought to the core for the good of the country. Bishop Quire said drugs and its abusers have affected the Liberian society to the point that every home, community in the country is being afflicted directly or indirectly. “It saddens our hearts as the people called UMC to see, and know how this nuisance has taken control of our communities, especially effecting our young generation, who should be the future leaders,” he said. Quire recalled that about 20 percent of young people are trapped in addiction, languishing in ghettos across the country, adding: “the scourge is not just a personal tragedy, but a national crisis.” He said drug addiction fuels lawlessness, causes many young people to drop out of school, and threatens the stability of socio-political environment. “The users or the addicted ones see communities being torn apart, families suffering and the hope of the nation gradually slipping away, but they careless. In as much we are commending government for its stance on drugs so far, we want to encourage the drug-free officials to intensify the fight, and therefore, urge the authorities to double its efforts and strengthen the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency to stop the illegal entry of drugs into our country,” Bishop Quire said. He called on the government to equip the security forces with needed manpower and resources to track down and bring drug sellers to justice and strengthen the judicial system to ensure that drug-related cases are adjudicated swiftly and fairly. “I am also calling on the government to as well to invest in rehabilitation centers to restore the lives of those caught in the grip of addiction. This that, some them would restore their hopes in reuniting them with their families.” “Together, we say clearly and boldly, No To Drugs. Let us unite as a church, government, families and communities to reclaim the future of our youth. The time to act is now,” he said.

Macpherson C. Marbiah writes/0886442881-0777250370