DLEAG sensitize community of Bambara to curb drug menace

By Pa Modou Cham

The Drug Law Enforcement Agency the Gambia (DLEAG) in partnership with the Council of ELDERS, village elders and youth representatives held a day long sensitization program recently at Bambara village, Foni Bondali District in the West Coast Region to curb drug menace.
The sensitization was a though part of their Drug Demand Reduction strategy to curb drug related menace and foster public support. The program stemmed from the obstruction faced by operatives when they attempted to arrest a suspected drug dealer.
The program was witnessed by responsible authorities, where their presentations and discussions centered on the effects of drugs and related crimes, legal provisions, immigration related matters, role of society in curbing drugs and crime.
The elders expressed remorse over the incident and assured law enforcement of their support and cooperation.
“We exert sincere thanks and appreciation to our able Commissioner of the West Coast Region Mawlud Faal for facilitating and coordinating this program, management of the Agency for approval and bankrolling the whole event, the media, council of elders and all those who partake of facilitated the successful organization of the outreach,” elders expressed.
The elders said law enforcement officers are from the communities, adding that they are our brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, cousins etc. “We enforce laws enacted by parliament for public safety and protection. Government pays Law enforcement officers and purchase support materials and equipments from taxpayers’ contribution and other sources of government revenue. We must therefore understand that these materials and equipment belong to all of us.”
They urged for the community to respect our laws and law enforcement officers while holding them to task and accountable in a dignified and professional manner as provided for in law. “No one is above the law and the rule of law must be upheld and observe for public safety and security.”
They reiterated that The Gambia belongs to us all and we should strive to be good Ambassadors and role models irrespective of our position, status or standing in our respective communities.