Monrovia, Liberia – Leading opposition Unity Party standard bearer Joseph Boakai described the ubiquitous usage and display of narcotics in Liberia as a serious and epidemic problem in the nation. Former vice president Boakai claimed that young people’s continuous intake of illicit drugs has a significant impact on their lives, driving them to commit a series of crimes, including armed robberies.
Drug addiction, also known as substance use disorder, is an illness that affects a person’s brain and behavior and causes them to lose control over whether or not they take drugs or medications, whether they are legal or not. Alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine are examples of substances that are regarded as drugs.
The Standard Bearer of the UP stated that 13% of the population in Liberia is afflicted by drug addiction, which is concerning for the nation’s progress.
He stated that the nation is gradually losing the next generation to the use of illegal drugs and that if practical measures are not done, the country will confront a more complicated and difficult scenario.
According to Ambassador Boakai, among other things, Liberia may experience an increase in crime, unemployment, sexual assault, and teen pregnancies.
The standard for the unity party accused the Waeh-led administration of being incompetent, incapable, and failing to view the situation as a national crisis in order to explain the sharp increase in the use of illegal drugs.
Meanwhile, due to the statement of Amb. Boakai and several others, the Liberian Senate passed a law making the sale and use of illicit drugs non-bailable on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.
Reported by: Naomi Konneh
Contact: +231555528350
Email: konnehnoami@gmail.com
