The increasing prevalence of illicit drug usage is having a significant impact on Liberia’s youthful population. With approximately 63% of the population under the age of 25 and 32.8% falling within the 10-24 age range, the vulnerability of Liberian youth to the effects of illicit drugs is clear.
Drugs, whether pharmaceutical or illicit, have the power to alter individuals’ systems, either positively or negatively.
Against this backdrop, a former high-ranking officer at the Liberia National Police, Monroe Dennis, stated that drugs have the capacity to affect the human system, mostly yielding negative outcomes.
Despite international efforts by organizations such as the United Nations Office On Drugs and Crime and the United States Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs to combat drug trafficking and organized crime in Liberia, the challenges persist.
The inflow of illicit drugs is often attributed to the country’s geographic landscape and security vulnerabilities, leading to its designation as a transit hub for illegal substances.
Dennis noted that the devastating consequences of drug usage among Liberian youth are evident in the rise of delinquent behavior, increased school dropouts, criminal activities, and the breakdown of family structures. The emergence of events like “Super Friday,” where students gather for drug use under the guise of entertainment, highlights the concerning extent of the issue.
Research conducted by Liberia United Youth for Community Safety and Development revealed that a significant portion of drug users are parents, indicating a cycle of drug dependency that threatens to impact future generations. Urgent action is needed to prevent the normalization of drug abuse and safeguard the well-being of Liberia’s youth.
In the face of these challenges, it is crucial for Liberia to prioritize the well-being of its youth. The nation must unite in rejecting illicit drugs and advocating for a future where the youth can fulfill their potential and contribute positively to society.
