State: Say no to drugs

 THE Government plans to introduce legislation that will see drug cultivators, traffickers and consumers face up to 50 years imprisonment, an official says.

It also proposes to increase the sentence for home-brew producers and consumers to 25 years, according to National Narcotics Bureau education and awareness officer Lawrence Tau.

He told people in Abau district, Central, that the abuse of illegal drugs and home-brew had contributed in a big way to criminal activities and social problems.

A team comprising bureau officers and members of the Police National Drug Squad conducted an anti-drug awareness campaign and education programme in Abau district last week.

They covered Kupiano station, Kupiano Secondary School, Gavuone Primary School, Gavuone and Kapari village.

Tau said illegal  drugs and home-brew involved young people who should be educated on the dangers they were putting themselves  into.

“That is why we are here to educate you and help you be aware of dangers of drug and homebrew,” he said.

“A lot of social problems that we face today are related to drug and alcohol abuse.”

He urged community leaders to work with youths in eliminating the problems. He said rape, thuggery, HIV/AIDS, teenage pregnancy and cult activities were related to drug and alcohol abuse.

“Substance abuse creates nuisance in society thus peace, prosperity and progress in our communities and country are hindered,” he said.