PAYNESVILLE, Montserrado – Liberia’s Drugs Enforcement Agency carried out a major awareness against illegal usage of drugs in the country in observance of this year’s World Drugs Day.

June 26^th was set aside by a 1995 United Nations Resolution as World Drugs Day to be observed globally by all UN member countries. For Liberia, the national celebration took place on Wednesday in Paynesville. It began with a street parade starting from ELWA Junction to the Family Paradise Church opposite Benson Hospital where the indoor ceremony was held.

The celebrations brought together officers from the DEA, the Liberia National Police, Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization and students of some schools in Monrovia.

Robert Kutu Akoi, the chief for prevention at the DEA, said the celebration of the day was rescheduled for Wednesday because of the visit of the First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama.

Akoi said the purpose of the ceremony was to increase awareness of illegal drugs and demand reduction in the illegal use of narcotics.

“If you look at our country today, it was infused by drugs during the civil war,” he said.

Robert Kutu Akoi, chief for prevention at the DEA. Photo: Gbatemah Senah

He noted that substance abuse has become a serious challenge for the Liberian society and added that, “The Liberian government was concerned about addressing the problem. That is why the government, through the Drugs Enforcement Agency, saw the need for this awareness throughout the country.”

He also added that all drugs that were confiscated by the agency within the past year would be burnt as part of the celebrations. He, however, did not state the quantity of drugs that had been confiscated.

Akoi noted that the awareness would take place in all 15 counties and called on the public to support the government in its fight against illicit drugs.

DEA officers and members of other security agencies march with students in Payneville in observance of World Drugs Day. Photo: Gbatemah Senah

At the same time, the chief for women and children at the DEA is calling on parents to help burn illicit drugs usage among children. Laura Tall wants parents to send their children to school and regularly monitor their activities.

She said, “Most parents forget their children. Some don’t care to check the activities and relationships of their children.”

According to Tall, more girls were getting involved with drug addiction because of peer pressure.

She disclosed that girls constitute a high number of illicit drugs users in the country. “During major raids and arrests, we see a lot of women especially young girls among addicts,” she added.

Featured photo by Gbatemah Senah