“….there has been an increase in drug abuse and trafficking among the youths in recent days which is likely to pose a great effect on the economy of the country” -Mulenga University of Zambia Anti-Drug Abuse Activist has expressed concerns over the increased levels of drug abuse and trafficking among youths in the country.
Speaking in an interview with Lusaka star, Anti-Drug activist John Mulenga said there has been an increase in drug abuse and trafficking among the youths in recent days which is likely to pose a great effect on the economy of the country.
Mr. Mulenga said the youths involved in drug related activities have become addicted causing them to engage in activities that hinder economic productivity.
“The youths will become unproductive and what will happen is that we will see them idol sitting and engaging into theft,” Said Mr. Mulenga.
Mulenga added that indulging in drug abuse is likely to increase the spread of diseases like HIV and AIDS.
“When one becomes a drug addict their awareness to danger reduces and in the end they will start practicing unsafe sex which will lead to a high spread of HIV and AIDS” Mulenga added
The anti-drug activist has urged all youths not to engaging in drug abuse and that those in such habits should seek professional counseling to help quit the vice.
Mr. Mulenga explained that the myths that cocaine and marihuana helps one become very creative and perform better in any work they are involved in are not true.
The drug abuse activist has since urged the government to increase social amenities other than football so that the youths will have something to entertain them adding that lack of such services causes them to resort to smoking.
He further said the government should give enough funds to anti drug abuse institutions like Drug Enforcement Commission so that their work will be more visible.
The Drug Enforcement Commission between 1st January, 2014 and 31st March, 2014 arrested 1, 422 persons for drug related offences countrywide.