President George Weah says it is time that citizens got involved in the fight against drugs by exposing those bent on using or selling.
Weah who recently decried the rampant use of drugs and other harmful substances by young people during the launched of the Paynesville Youth Summit 2022, said most of those harmful substances are used in communities and at home.
He said it is unfortunate that the situation remains unabated in spite of the substantial investment the government has been making to remedy the pervasive use of drugs in the country.
According to Weah, his government has been working with partners over the years thereby taking several actions and critical decisions to curb the use of drugs, citing the drugs law as well as the recent project launched to rehabilitate at-risk youths.
He recalled the recent arrest and seizure of US$100 million dollar worth of drugs by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) stating that such an action demonstrates the government’s commitment in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“Those connected to the importation of the drugs are two foreign nationals, and the rest of them are Liberian citizens.” This, the President noted in an effort to highlight how involved Liberians are in the drug trade.
“Though the United States is our traditional and strong partner, helping us in many ways, yet, we are a sovereign nation and we must take issues affecting us seriously on our own and find solutions to them,” he said.
He told the gathering of predominantly young people to always channel their petitions and requests through the Legislature or those directly representing them.
The President informed them that he would always stand with them in achieving whatever they desire for themselves.
“If it is a petition or law or whatever document containing what you want to be done to improve your condition, and once it passes through your elected representatives, I will sign it without delay,” he assured the youth.
Weah then thanked the youth and the organizers of the Paynesville Youth Summit 2022, stating it is a good effort in the right direction.
The Summit was intended to raise L$5 million to support youth development, and the President provided half of the target amount and he encouraged well-meaning citizens and partners to contribute to this worthy cause.
