New drug law good for country

THE passing of Controlled Substance Bill 2021 aimed at controlling illegal substances and abuse of illicit drugs and precursors collectively by the Government and Opposition MPs shows that they care about the citizens and our friends from overseas who live and do businesses in Papua New Guinea.
Previously, there were no laws on the transportation and usage of cocaine, ice (crystal methamphetamine) and other illegal drugs.
Now that the law is in place, it sill strengthen law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute offenders.
The law serves as deterrent factor to people who are dreaming to make money off drugs.
A good number of drug offenders have been arrested and prosecuted by our hard working policemen and women, however, a good number of them walked away with light penalties because the law was not tough.
I commend the politicians and lawmakers.
The Controlled Substance Act 2021 will give the judicial system and the courts the tools to prosecute drug dealers and discourage international networks using our country as a transit point.

Jack Anis Kukiwa,
BTC , Lae