Pubdate: Fri, 25 Jun 2004 Source: Cameroon Tribune (Cameroon) Contact: (+237) 230.43.62 Website: http://www.cameroon-tribune.cm/ Author: Brenda Yufeh CHECKING DRUG ABUSE Various dangers of drug abuse were examined yesterday in Yaounde during a discussion. Ahead of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, to be commemorated tomorrow, June 26, the Resident Co-ordinator of the UN System in Cameroon, Patricia De Mowbray, yesterday at the United Nations Information Centre in Yaounde chaired discussions aimed at sensitising the population on key issues related to drug abuse. Participants were representatives from MINUDUC, NGOs, National Drug Control Committee (NDCC), civil society and the judicial police. During the event, there was a remarkable call to talk about drug abuse at every time of the year and not only during the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Participants also saw the need to educate the population on the need to avoid a hard "drug". Some of the drugs are; alcohol, tobacco, certain traditional plants, cocaine and its derivatives, cannabis or marijuana commonly known as "Banga". During discussions each representative gave a succinct presentation of what its department is doing to sensitise and combat the use of drug. The Permanent Secretary of NDCC, Dr. Ndembi Yembe, mentioned government's efforts in fighting against drug trafficking following signing of conventions with the UN against drug trafficking. Focus was also made on drug abuse and adolescent health since statistics indicated that 15 per cent of drug users are less than 20 years and 60 per cent of drug addicts are about 20 years. Hence, the need to educate youths on the dangers of drugs not only in schools but also through parental education and peer groups. Commissioner Alemgue Aloysius in Yaounde stated that though drug abuse is not yet alarming in Cameroon, there is need to curb it because there is a direct link between drug and crime. Since most of those involved in crimes have drug abuse records. He noted that the law on narcotic, psychotropic substances are precursors and that the police force carries out preventive and repressive control. He explained that the police has often organised raids on drug peddlers. Commissioner Alemgue stressed that the population should understand that drug abuse is a community problem and that the police can only succeed in its fight against drug abuse if the population and other organisations join in the struggle. The theme of this year International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is, "Drugs: Treatment Works". It goes a long way to correct the misconception, and convey the facts about drug abuse treatment, based on the latest and most reliable evidence and research. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin