By Bill W. Cooper
Several disadvantaged youths, known in Liberia as ‘Zogoes’ have condemned the recent passage of the new Drug Law at the Legislature.
In a strong display of dissension, the zogoes insisted that they will continue with their habit and defile any law enforcement to interfere with their activity.
“We will continue with our habit and dare any DEA or police officer to arrest any of us,” a zogoe in Paynesville told our reporter.
He insisted that despite the new legislation after years of public cries has no effect on them, admitting that they have been addicted to it.
The law, which aimed to curb substance abuse and strengthen law enforcement efforts, has been met with skepticism and resistance from those who argue that it fails to address the underlying issues faced by marginalized communities.
Passed by the National legislature on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, the new drugs law imposes stricter penalties and harsher sentences for drug-related offenses, along with increased funding for law enforcement agencies.
Additionally, under the new law, anyone found guilty of drug offenses will not be eligible for a bail and will be remanded in custody until their trial is completed, as the law applies to all drug-related offenses, including trafficking, possession and distribution of illegal drugs.
However, the move by the Liberian Legislature came after many citizens’ rugs and raised concerns on the negative impact of drugs and substance abuse on society and the economy.
They argued that the illegal use of drugs and addiction have been on the rise in Liberia, with increasing reports of drug-related crimes and violence.
The passage of the new law by the legislators comes on the heels of the commemoration of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which is observed June 6, of every year.
But while proponents of the legislation argue that it will help to combat drug abuse and protect public safety, the Zogoes argue that it fails to tackle the root causes of substance abuse and disproportionately targets on the vulnerable populations.
The wayward youths, who often face socioeconomic challenges and limited access to opportunities, claimed that the new law further marginalizes them especially the portion calling for the imprisonment of the end user.
They contend that instead of criminalizing drug use, the government should focus on providing education, rehabilitation, and support systems to address the underlying issues that contribute to substance abuse in their communities.
In an exclusive interview with this paper Wednesday, June 28, 2023 on behalf of the disenchanted youth in Paynesville, Lisa Martinez, a 21-year-old from an economically deprived neighborhood, expressed her frustration over the passage of the law and the government.
“This law is just another attempt to suppress us. It does nothing to address the root causes of drug abuse or provide us with the support we need. So, we will still smoke drugs because our struggles won’t magically disappear with this law,” she stated.
Lisa Martinez, also known as ‘Lady CMB’ emphasized the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach that includes prevention programs, accessible healthcare, mental health services, and increased funding for rehabilitation centers.
She recommended that by focusing on the rehabilitation of the end users, who are also victims of social exclusion, provision of healthcare and education as well as employment opportunities, they believe society can address the underlying factors that drive disadvantaged youths towards substance and other narcotics substances.
During his tour of Paynesville, our reporter stopped at the Voker Mission grave site and spoke with a 19 year old university dropped out known as ‘Ghetto Prince’ who informed this paper that the government needs a more passionate and evidence-based approach to drug policy that prioritizes harm reduction, public health, and social welfare.
Ghetto Prince along with other colleagues argued that they face systemic challenges such as poverty, lack of education, limited employment opportunities, and inadequate social support.
The believe that investing in social programs, improving access to quality education, and addressing socioeconomic disparities would be a more effective strategy in tackling substance abuse.
Ghetto Prince firmly believe that change must come from a place of understanding and empathy, rather than punitive measures and at the same time calling on National government to go beyond legislation alone and address the bread-and-butter issues affecting them.
