OUR NATIONS WITHOUT DRUGS IT'S POSSIBLE.
DRUG addiction is a scourge that does not recognise geographical boundaries and currently afflicting nations at alarming rate. Again, the sweeping ‘epidemic’ has engulfed both rich and poor communities with massive destruction of health and individual economy.
President Jakaya Kikwete last week officiated the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and delivered a powerful speech stressing that the fight against drug and psychotropic substances trafficking should be won.
The abuse of prohibited drugs like heroin, cocaine, bhang, among others ruins the country’s manpower as the major victims are the energetic youth who should be engaged in serious productive activities.
The associated health complications include Hepatitis B, HIV/Aids, frailty and eventually death. Amazingly, the barons behind the illicit business remain in the hide to sustain the supply to the detriment of the nation.
We strongly support the pledge by Mr Kikwete on the need for application of sophisticated techniques to restrain operations of drug traffickers, as they too employ complex techniques to sustain their illegal business.
Community awareness on the effects of drug addiction is of paramount importance.
The National Coordination and Control of Illicit Drugs Commission has done a good job, but the general public has an important role to play in both exposing those behind the scam and refuse to take part in the hurtful practice.
Obviously the link between illicit drugs and violence, corruption and terrorism cannot be denied. A balanced approach recognises the close connections between those who traffic in drugs and criminal networks involved in firearms smuggling, kidnapping, human trafficking and other crimes.
The problem is a major deterrent to humanity and a poison to the well-being of the youth in particular posing greater challenges to the socio-economic and political stability of a nation and also disturbing the sustainable development of a nation.
We call upon security organs to extend wings to unauthorised entry points like a myriad of clandestine undeclared ports found in dozens along the coastal line of the Indian Ocean between Tanga and Dar es Salaam and perhaps hire secret local agents to share information for timely arrest.
It is estimated that drug addiction kills at least 200,000 people globally every year despite collective efforts by nations. Since the habit of drug addiction is gradually gaining strength, it is time the entire community work together for effective combat for the welfare of the nation.
