The Director General (DG) of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG) Alhaji Bakary Gassama stated that Illicit drug trafficking and related activities including transnational organize crime is a persisting phenomenon threatening global peace, stability and socio-economic development. He made this statement at the opening session of a daylong session on drug awareness at the University of The Gambia (UTG) students’ week in Tendaba, Lower River Region.
Represented by DLEAG’s Director of Operation who also doubles as the acting Deputy Director General Alhaji Ebrima Drammeh, he indicated that the world drug problem is complex and is compounded by the strong and established link between illicit drug trafficking, terrorism, terrorist financing, money laundering, undermining democracy and economic activities, promoting corruption and fueling crime and violence.
DG Gassama also dilated on the complexities surrounding drug abuse and addiction and the lack of specialized drug treatment facilities to manage Substance Use Disorders (SUD). He therefore urged the youths to value their future and keep away from drugs
The world drug report 2021 he revealed indicated that drug use persist with almost 275 million people using drugs. He stated that with the current demographic factors, the number of global drug users is projected to increase by 11 percent with Africa accounting for almost 40 percent.
The Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Ghadda Wally, he revealed stated that there is often a substantial disconnect between real risk and public perception. The potency of cannabis products he said quadrupled in some parts of the world but the percentage of adolescents who perceived cannabis to harmful dropped by almost 40 percent despite evidence linking regular use to health problems and the correlation between potency and harm.
DLEAG’s top man cited several successes registered by his agency in suppressing drugs as well as reducing the demand for it. He finally called for public support, cooperation and participation in the crusade on drugs.
Coumba Mathurin Diop, Program Manager UNODC Banjul Office commended DLEAG for the laudable initiative. She reiterated the need for a balance approach in solving the world drug problem. The UNODC commended DLEAG for implementing a balance approach between supply suppression and drug demand reduction.
She gave assurance of their office support and collaboration in the fight on drugs and organized
The representative of the Governor of the Lower River Region Mr. Modou BK Ceesay commended DLEAG, UNODC and the UTG Students' Union for their foresight in including drug awareness as part of events marking the commemoration of the student week. Drugs he said causes damage to users and places heavy burden on their families.
Mr. Ceesay further said that no single institution could fight drugs alone. He therefore call for public support in bridling drugs and its associated menace. He finally urged students present to share information gathered from the sessions to other students who may not be presents.
The President of the UTG Student Union Mr. Gumaneh in delivering the welcome remark thanked DLEAG and UNODC for the partnership.
He indicated that the UTG plays an integral role in any meaningful development agenda. He also stated that DLEAG as an institution plays a crucial role in the maintenances of peace, stability and National Security and therefore needs the support of the public.
Finally, He assured DLEAG and UNODC of them of their collaboration and called on his fellow students to make best use
The day long program was marked by a seminar and a community outreach program.
