By Nelson Manneh
The Regional Office of Drug Law Enforcement Agency-The Gambia (DLEA-G) in the Lower River Region on Sunday, September 29, 2024, held a community outreach program in Jarra Karantaba village.
The activity was attended by the Alkalo of the village, together with members of the VDC members as well as youth leaders.
Babucarr Corr, Deputy Commissioner of DLEA-G in LRR said the Agency needs collaboration from communities in the fight against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
“The Agency alone cannot do it, and we must therefore join hands together to complement the efforts of DLEA-G,” he stated.
He also spoke at length about drug-related crimes and some of their legal implications and urged community members to avoid obstructing narcotic officers while performing their lawful duty.
Adama Bah, DLEA-G LRR’s regional public affairs and drug demand reduction officer and head of sensitization in the Lower River Region, said community outreach programs are designed to inform and involve communities in the fight against illicit drugs. He said the engagement is also meant to break barriers, establish good communication channels, and build trust and confidence between officers of the agency and the communities.
“There are different types of illicit drugs. However, all of them have negative health effects especially if they are abused and they also have legal implications because their use is prohibited by law,” he said. Mr. Bah advised the elders who attended the event to be protective and to continue to engage their children, who are the future leaders of the country.
“Drugs are our enemies and they destroy both our present and future. So it is time for us to put all hands on deck and complement the efforts of DLEA-G in the crusade against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking,” Mr. Bah concluded.
Bunnang Jobe, the Alkalo of Jarra Karantaba village said community sensitization is one of the most important elements as far as the fight against illicit drugs is concerned.
According to the Alkalo, when people are well informed, their involvement in committing crimes will be less.
