Pubdate: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 Source: Analyst, The (Liberia) Copyright: 2005 Analyst Liberia Contact: http://www.analystliberia.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3511 Author: J. Nathaniel Daygbor 45% OF LIBERIAN YOUTHS LIVE ON DRUGS DEA Boss The Executive Director of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Col. James Jaddah said about 45 per cent of Liberian youths live on drugs, most of whom are ex-combatants. Col. Jaddah said the most common drugs used by them are marijuana and dugee. According to him the anti-drugs section statistics show that 80% of all ex-combatants fall within the ages of 12 to 30 years old that are drugs. "40% of the ex-combatants use dugee while 60% use cannabis," he noted. Speaking at the celebration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking of controlled substances, yesterday at the Gender Ministry, Col. Jaddah noted Liberia is very weak and lenient to implement laws regarding the use of drugs, adding that all drug related offenses are bailable les than US$100 even for drug barons. Describing it as "peanuts for such a national crime" he noted that those who used drug feel that it helps them. "It is true, but it makes you to forget quickly and commit crimes unconsciously," Col. Jaddah added. He named such crimes as rapping of girls, stealing, armed robbery, dullness in school, disrespectfulness to parents, among others. The DEA boss said that the concerns about uncivilized behavior and policy initiatives to improve drugs control mechanism have shown that the DEA needs to become a central repository with data collection and research facilities. He revealed that his agency is preparing to undertake more targeted field operation such as the deployment of our personnel to all entry points. At present the DEA has embarked on capacity building programs, a major awareness and educational campaign, revision, strengthening and harmonization of the existing drugs laws of Liberia, manpower development, rehabilitation of office facilities, treatment centers among others. He however called on the government, local and international NGOs to assist the agency with vehicles, computers, and generators so as to facilitate the efficient and effective fight against drug trafficking in the country. Speaking also at the program was the acting Commissioner of CIVPOL; Madam Ingrid Dagestad who said that the global village has to fight a good fight to overcome the wrath of drug users. Adding his voice to the others, the Secretary General of DEA, Roosevelt Seakor said that some personnel of UNMIL, mainly of the Nigerian contingent are living on dugee recently brought at the Robert International Airport. "I personally got those guys taking in drugs," he said, pointing out that UNMIL has easy assess to drug trafficking because at all entry points of the country "we do not search their belongings because we feel that we are partners in progress. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin