Mapusa: Political will lacking at narcotics bureau

 LACK of political will is hindering the work of the National Narcotics Bureau (NNB) in preventing drug and alcohol abuse in the country.

NNB director-general John Mapusa said they had a vital task to perform but the government and relevant state authorities did not give them recognition.

Mapusa said this during the closing of a Moresby South community leaders’ training workshop on equipping skills for drug education and personal development held at the NNB head office in Port Moresby last Friday.

He said the workshop equipped 37 participants, including police officers, village councillors, magistrates, LLG presidents, youth leaders, church leaders and women’s groups from the Moresby South electorate with basic training skills on addressing alcohol and drug abuse and life enhancing skills.

Mapusa said a joint partnership with relevant government agencies and the local community in addressing the issue of drug and alcohol abuse was an important aspect of moving forward.

“However, we’ve been kicked around like football,” he said.