By Fatmata Bundu
FREETOWN, July 14 (SALONE TIMES) – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLAE) on Thursday 23rd and Sunday 26th June 2022 commemorated the international day against drugs and elicit trafficking by engaging in massive sensitization in various places including schools, youth centers and also those hanging around ghettos.
NDLAE Core Drug Educator, Ibrahim Samuel Dugba gave examples of useful drugs which are prescribed by medical doctors that are harmless while emphasizing that harmful drugs which are not prescribed by doctors has in effect changed the way of behavior.
He pointed out that Kush, Cocaine and Cannabis are highly intoxicating and must be avoided by all means because they can damage the whole body.
He continued that there is a high rate of young boys taking drugs based on their own prescription which he said leads to overdose which sometimes ultimately leads to their death.
Ministry of Internal Affairs representative, Madam Anita Bockarie encouraged NDLAE to create clubs in schools and also have coordinators that will work with them.
Principal of Grace International Academy, Mark T. Sumana gave his school commitment in the drive to wipe out drugs abuse among youth in the country.
He said they will work with NDLAE at all times and also ensured that his school takes the lead in educating other school going pupils about the danger of drugs through the formation of school clubs.
Mark spoke about the awareness of his school about harmful drugs among many other things by youths.
“These days, pupils are in the habit of taking drugs and misbehaving during social activities including school sports events, thanksgiving and prize giving ceremonies”.
NDLAE Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Kargbo cited the harmful aspects of drugs among the age of 15-39 years, adding that some are taking relief to replace tramadol.
In another school a girl narrated that her parents were going through such problem and asking for help to save her family.
Vice Principal of Agape Secondary School, John Ansumana, stated that the pupils are fond of giving sweets which allegedly contained unknown substance to their colleagues.
The team during their visit to the ghettos most of the youth there expressed themselves to NDLAE team.
One of the drug dealers, Alusine Kargbo, expressed joy for NDLAE visit and said they made him learn a lot.
Alusine promised to spread the good news as one that will not only be on paper but they should move physically to them.
“We have to meet other peddlers in their various hangout like Black Street among others”.
