A growing crisis has surfaced in Grand Cape Mount County, as Seven persons have been reported dead due to consumption of drugs in the area.
The seven individuals, primarily young people, have died due to drug abuse in Grand Cape Mount County, raising a serious concern.
The deceased, six young men and one woman, succumbed to the harmful effects of drugs over a span of two weeks, highlighting a critical public health crisis in the county.
The alarming disclosure was made by Grand Cape Mount Senator Dabah M. Varpilah, who expressed deep concern over the rampant inflow of drugs into the county.
Senator Varpilah, addressing the Liberian Senate upon her return from a constituency break, emphasized the severity of the situation and the urgent need for comprehensive action to curb the spread and consumption of harmful substances.”The situation is worsening as our county continues to lose its citizenry,” Senator Varpilah stated, resonating with urgency.
She warned that the ongoing drug abuse crisis, if left unaddressed, could escalate into a more severe catastrophe for the people of Grand Cape Mount County.
Despite efforts by the Government of Liberia, particularly through the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), to combat the importation and use of illegal drugs, the problem persists, disproportionately affecting the youth.
The latest deaths underscore the inadequacy of current measures and the need for more effective strategies and interventions. This latest information from the Grand Cape Mount Senator raises critical questions about the efficacy of the national emergency declared by President Joseph Boakai to combat drug abuse.
In his first State of the Nation Address, President Joseph Boakai had underscored the fight against drugs as a top priority, declaring it a national emergency.
However, the continuing deaths suggest that the policies and programs implemented so far have not yielded the desired outcomes. The impact of drug abuse on the youth is particularly devastating, with many young people becoming vulnerable to addiction and its associated harms.
This growing epidemic has far-reaching consequences, not only for the individuals directly affected but also for their families and communities.
During the recent 2023 elections, the failure of past administrations to effectively tackle the drug problem was a significant point of contention among the electorate. Many voters expressed their dissatisfaction with the previous government under Former President George Weah, which they felt had made minimal progress in addressing the drug crisis. This sentiment was captured in the colloquial expression “We na wan kush, we wan rescue,” reflecting the populace’s demand for decisive action against drugs.
Adding to the complexity of the drug crisis, the LDEA recently announced the discovery of a new and dangerous narcotic known as “Zombie.” LDEA Director General Abraham Kromah disclosed that this harmful substance has started to infiltrate Liberian streets, posing an additional threat to public health. The emergence of “Zombie” compounds the challenges faced by the current administration in combating drug abuse.
The Boakai-led administration, which had promised a robust approach to the drug problem, now faces increased pressure to deliver on its commitments.
The persistence of drug-related deaths, particularly among the youth, underscores the urgent need for more aggressive and effective measures. The fight against drugs in Liberia is not just a policy issue but a battle for the country’s future.
With the lives of young people at stake, the government must prioritize this issue and implement comprehensive, evidence-based strategies to stem the tide of drug abuse. This includes strengthening law enforcement, enhancing community education and prevention programs, and providing adequate support and rehabilitation services for those affected by addiction.
As the Senator and the broader public raise concerns with this escalating crisis, it is clear that only a concerted, multi-faceted approach will suffice to address the deeply entrenched issue of drug abuse in Liberia.
The deaths in Grand Cape Mount County serve as a reminder of the stakes involved and the urgent need for action to safeguard the health and future of Liberia’s youth.
