Head of NPADDR Calls for Support to Combat Illicit Drug Trafficking

By Nicholas Bass

The Head of National Public Affairs and Drug Demand Reduction (NPADDR), Ousman Saidybah has called on every stakeholder for support in combating illicit drug trafficking which has destroyed thousands of youths in the country.

Ousman Saidybah during an interview with The Voice Newspaper recently disclosed that nepotism, corruption, and fear have made many Gambians reluctant to report suspected drug traffickers to their office which has made their work difficult in the control of illicit drug trafficking and drug abuse.

He stressed that every stakeholder has a role to play in combating illicit drug trafficking by reporting those suspected drug traffickers and drug abusers to their office for prosecution before the court.

 He pointed out that illegal drug trafficking is a global problem that requires concerted efforts of every stakeholder in combating illicit drug trafficking which is destroying lives and the state’s resources.  

”Drug traffickers are using different concealments method which require the technical know-how of modern technology in combating illicit drug trafficking causing willful harm against the state,” he disclosed.

He noted that most of the youths involving in illicit drug trafficking ventured into it because it is very profitable coupled with its high demand in the communities.

He added, saying that those who are taking illicit drugs together with other drugs eventually develop mental illness causing their untimely death.

He called on every stakeholder to collaborate with his office in combating illicit drug trafficking and drug abuse.