–A move to handle the rehabilitation of drug addicts
By Jerromie S. Walters
Over the past few years, Liberia has witnessed a disturbing rise in drug use and trafficking. While marijuana has long been a part of the local culture, the introduction of more potent substances, including cocaine and synthetic drugs, has led to increased rates of addiction and abuse. The youth, in particular, are increasingly vulnerable, with many turning to drugs.
In a bid to curb the tragedy, the Plenary of the House of Representatives of the 55th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia has mandated its committees on Drug and Rehabilitation, Health, and Judiciary to review a bill seeking the establishment of a National Rehabilitation Commission (NRC).
Plenary’s decision Thursday, 19 September during its 11th Day sitting of extraordinary session was triggered by the submission of the bill by Montserrado County Electoral District 5 Representative, Hon. Priscilla Cooper.
According to Hon. Cooper, the use of drugs and other harmful substances has permeated every fabric of our society, which is posing a serious threat to our national security, the peace of our society, and as well undermining the safety of the Liberian economy.
She believes that drugs have become a matter of national emergency and there’s an apt need to establish an institution that will oversee all activities relating to the anti-additive drugs programs. The entity will also be responsible for the rehabilitation of those who have become drug dependents, war victims, mentally derailed persons, persons with disabilities, and such other persons as may be identified. In her opinion, this will reduce the risk of criminality and assist the national government to provide the corporate social needs for victim of drugs or any other dangerous circumstances.
The National Rehabilitation Commission, when enacted will carry on registration, rehabilitation, and training of drug users, internally displaced, drug victims, and persons with disabilities, care for senior citizens, and those who are mentally derailed throughout the fifteen (15) political subdivisions of Liberia.
As the West African state grapples with a burgeoning drug crisis, the plenary voted to have the Committees on Drugs & Rehabilitation, Health, and Judiciary review the instrument and report after the 2nd Quarter break.
In April of this year, the government of Liberia graduated 126 At-Risk-Youth through the At-Risk-Youth Empowerment Program, a program created by the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Youth and Sports for their rehabilitation from illicit drugs. The rehabilitation of the At-Risk-Youth took place in Montserrado, Margibi, Grand Bass, and Bomi Counties. The young people gained knowledge in different vocational skills.
The crisis:
Global statistics show that two in ten youth of Liberia are deeply involved in the consumption of narcotics substances or drug abuse. In May of this year, Hassan Fadiga, suspended LDEA Deputy Director for Operations while referencing the awkward statistic, decried the alarming rate at which the youth are becoming addicted to illicit drugs and warned that if not brought under control, Liberians might not live freely in their homes and the entire country, as it would become more dangerous with an increase in crimes.
He said the prevalence of drug abuse here and its negative impact are public health and safety issues, so it requires robust efforts to clamp down on it as a means of safeguarding the country. “If the increase in drugs and the growing proliferation among our youths “don’t frighten us as a nation, and don’t frighten you, and if we don’t get this under control, I’m afraid Liberia will become more dangerous to live, and citizens will now start seeking asylum,” he said.
The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) has asserted some efforts over the years in combating the drug crisis, conducting numerous operations to intercept illicit drugs and dismantle trafficking networks. In recent years, the LDEA has reported significant drug seizures, including large quantities of marijuana, cocaine, and other narcotics. For example, in 2022, the agency confiscated over 1,000 kilograms of marijuana in a single operation in Montserrado County, underscoring the scale of the drug trade.
Kush-Must-Go Fiasco:
The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning recently submitted a draft recast budget to the national legislature, revealing a drastic reduction in funding for the project from over 1.9 million to just over 400,000.
This decision has sparked widespread criticism and concern, particularly given President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s earlier declaration of drugs as a national emergency during his inaugural address in January. At that time, President Boakai had swiftly formed a committee to devise strategies to tackle the drug crisis. However, the significant budget cut has led many to question the administration’s commitment to this critical national issue. Observers and citizens alike have voiced their disappointment and frustration.
Many believe that the future of Liberia is at serious risk if the drug problem is not addressed with the urgency and resources it demands. Instead of bolstering public sector investment and intensifying efforts to combat drug abuse, the recast budget appears to prioritize increased spending on the Presidency.
