Drug abuse, contrary to popular thinking is not just about the misuse of harmful drugs. It is actually the mode of consumption of a particular drug substance that defines its place in the society. Misuse of any kind of substance will surely attract detrimental consequences for the user.
 
A handful of them, of course, have the influence of rendering societies degraded if they are allowed indiscriminate usage. The youth, the cream of every nation, are constantly at risk in such situations.

Under the influence of drug abuse, the youth folk of a society do not only lose focus, but become extremely prone to all sorts of dangers that only put the entire country under constant threat.

The gravity of the situations in many war-torn countries cannot be detached from the role potentially harmful drug abuse has to play. This makes it all the more important that we take a strong stand against drug proliferation in the Gambia.  

Last week's simultaneous and well coordinated destruction of loads of drugs, apparently confiscated in various operations around the country by our gallant security agencies, demonstrates the popularity of these drugs.

Cannabis is one of the most widely abused drugs. It is not only used by the young people, as is often portrayed by society; it is also used by the elderly ones, amid a complex chain of smuggling. And this explains the reason why it always filters through our seemingly porous borders. But it is important to note that while the elderly few that consume it can do so in a responsible manner, the majority of the young that use it are mostly at the mercy of luck. Put the risk to the nation aside. Even the health dangers drug abuse poses for the user costs not only they, themselves, but their family members, their loved ones, and the nation at large.  

Unfortunately, all sorts of conspiracy theories have been linked with the usage of illicit drugs. Even though there are no evidence of genuine explanations pointing at these, ignorance, on the side of the youths who often use them,  makes it all the more difficult to tackle the problem. This is what all stakeholders should be considering in our efforts to wipe out the menace it causes.

The security forces must be commended for their continued uncompromising stance toward the issue. We do hope that this line of action of theirs will continue.