By Rancy Clarke, Bong County Correspondent
A group of anti-drug campaigners in Gbarnga, Bong County, has petitioned the county administration to take stringent actions against drug traffickers in the county.
The move is part of a national campaign to curb the proliferation of contraband and narcotic substances flooding the country.
The campaigners, clad in black, braved heavy downpour of rain on Saturday as they paraded the principal streets of Gbarnga in protest to the sale, distribution and use of illegal drugs and narcotics.
The group of young people gathered at the Gbarnga Administration Building to present their petition to the county authority.
The petition, submitted under the banner “Bong County Say No to Drugs,” outlined demands for actionable measures, including raiding of ghettos and other trading points, describing drug abuse as a growing threat to peace, security and the country’s future.
The group is also calling for rehabilitation of drug victims and the creation of community based awareness on the danger of drug abuse.
In a unified move to crackdown on traffickers, the anti-drug campaigners urged the county administration to strengthen collaboration with the joint security, civil society organizations and the community.
Additionally, the petitioners called on the county administration to lobby with national government for financial support for organizations leading anti-drug efforts.
The latest anti-drug campaign came in the wake of rise in drug trade, the proliferation of ghettos, and attending deaths of drug users in the county. More than five drug addicted youths have fallen prey to the aftermath of their habit in Gbarnga, with many more grappling with terrible health conditions from the use narcotic substance.
Bong County Administrative Officer, Sam Elliott received the petition on behalf of Superintendent Hawa Norris and charged the petitioners to report suspicious drug sale, distribution, and use in their various communities.
However, Mr. Elliott turned down the group’s request for a photo in the rain, leaving the campaigners to reel in disappointment. It is not clear why the campaigners wanted Mr. Elliot to take picture with them in the rain and not indoors.
