By Emma Black\
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) commemorated the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, themed Breaking the Chains Prevention, Treatment & Recovery for All, with a stirring event at the National Scout Association’s multi-purpose Hall in New England Ville, Freetown, on Thursday 26, June 2025, the gathering featured representatives from ministries, departments, agencies, civil society organizations, the United Nations, the Inter-Religious Council, and students.
Minister of Internal Affairs, Retired AIG Morie Lengor Esq, delivered an inspiring keynote, thanking NDLEA and its partners on behalf of President Brig. (Rtd) Dr. Julius Maada Bio and Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh for their relentless fight against drug abuse, he described the day as a global platform for collaboration to create a drug-free world, spotlighting the NDLEA Strategic Master Plan as evidence of government commitment to tackling substance abuse, illicit trafficking, and related crimes threats to the President’s Human Capital Development agenda.
Lengor portrayed drug addiction as a complex, chronic condition, leading to strained relationships, isolation, depression, anxiety, financial ruin, and legal troubles, he urged youth, saying, “Hold onto your dreams don’t let drugs, especially Kush, destroy them,” advocating self-discipline as a core value to avoid negativity.
NDLEA Executive Director Mr. Andrew Jaiah Kaikai emphasized that this commemoration is a solemn call to action, not a mere ceremony. He stressed a holistic approach beyond enforcement to break addiction’s chains through prevention, treatment, and recovery. He committed to enhancing institutional capacity and called on communities, families, teachers, and youth to unite in this fight, noting it cannot succeed without collective effort.
United Nations Resident Coordinator Madam Seraphine Wakana hailed drug abuse as a public health emergency, development challenge, and human rights issue. She praised the government’s bold declaration of a national emergency and reaffirmed UN support, linking drug-related crimes to sustainability barriers.
Other speakers pledged awareness, sensitization, and enforcement to safeguard Sierra Leone’s development.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 30th June, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
