— 2013 International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) report worrying- Musokotwane

2013 International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) report worrying- Musokotwane

Kazungula, June 27^th, 2014,   ZANIS ——-   Government says the 2013 International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) report on psychotropic substance abuse  in Southern African region poses a challenge to border towns like Kazungula.

Kazungula District Commissioner Pascalina Musokotwane says the INCB report stating that cannabis, cocaine and heroin abuse is on the increase in the sub-Saharan region was a source a source of concern to border towns like4 Kazungula.

Mrs. Musokotwane said this is so because areas like her district is experiencing an increased number of  human traffic where some individuals abuse the environment by engaging into drug trafficking, among others.

She added that the soon to be constructed Kazungula bridge which would easy the movement of people through the border pose a challenge to the Drug Enforcement Commission to put in place measures to prevent drug traffickers wanting to abuse the facility.

The District Commissioner said this when she officiated at the commemoration of World Anti-Drug day held at Katombola Reformatory School in Kazungula district yesterday under the theme: “Drug use disorders are preventable and treatable.”

Mrs. Musokotwane charged that the theme offers an opportunity for every citizen to participate in preventing the abuse of illicit drugs and substances adding that it also raises hope that those who are struggling with drug use disorders can be treated if they come out in the open and seek help from relevant institutions.

Speaking earlier, DEC Southern Province Regional Commander Katisha Jere said more and more substances being abused have become a source of concern to the commission and all cooperating partners.

Mr. Jere said the adverse effects of substance abuse on the health of addicts cannot be over-emphasized as these range from physiological to psychological effects and have in certain instances incapacitated persons of high productivity.

He said that drug abuse is rife among the youths whose potential stands at risk of destruction by the said drugs adding that if not properly guided, their future will be adversely affected.