By Tabora Bojang
The public relations officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Ousman Saidybah, has told The Standard that his agency will never relent nor be intimidated in carrying out their responsibilities of tackling the menace of illicit drugs in the country.
The Agency’s spokesperson was speaking in reaction to Wednesday’s brawl between some young men and members of the Drug Squad in Bakau.
The fight caused injuries to some of the anti-narcotic officers.
PRO Saidybah said the incident will not dampen their resolve to fight against the usage and vending of illicit drugs in the country because the law mandates them.
“The message is that we will continue to raid in a very professional manner within that area and any other place because we are mandated by the law and law of The Gambia remains the same,” he stated.
He added: “What we want to tell the communities is that drugs are not things that will bring anything good for their youths. If you go to the Tanka-Tanka Mental Institution, today, you will find that the majority of those admitted there are as a result of drug-induced psychosis.”
He said young people are the future of the country and therefore urged parents to help DLEAG maintain a drug-free Gambia “because the agency alone cannot do everything without the support of the general public. These youths are our future. We should be looking at how to come together and get them on meaningful activities that will contribute to national development.”
“Today in The Gambia, there is a lot that has to be done on attitude and behavioral change because the concept of what democracy even is, I believe is something that many people do not understand,” he added.
He called for concerted efforts from the public, religious leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to partner with the agency in massive combat the menace of drug use and vending in the country.
