Illicit drug consumption, production, and trafficking are on the ascendancy in many parts of the world. The effect of hard drugs such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and hashish is causing concern to society and governments throughout the world.
The escalated trend in this illicit business has led to an increase in crime and other social cankers.
On the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse, June 1994, it is estimated that at least 40 million people throughout the world regularly abuse drugs.
The disastrous effect of the drug on mankind could be seen in Europe and America more than Africa. But health magazines report of the gradual abuse of drugs in some parts of Africa today.
On almost every street in Europe, junkies are commonly seen. Especially in Spain, Germany, Holland, and Belgium, the effect of drug abuse has transformed able-bodied men into some fearful creatures. Some are gaunt at the edge of death.
Others have lost their families and properties. Some are insane, leading them to permanent confinement in mental institutions.
Once hooked on drugs, they can't do without them. The more they use it, the more they want it. In order to satisfy their demand, junkies resort to stealing, committing serious crimes to lay their hands on anything that comes their way to raise money for drugs.
It is for this reason worldwide that governments are fighting against drugs to bring good health to its citizens. But are they winning? The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few they say.
Despite previous and recent progress in arresting some pushers, the trade is still going on. The drug clan is one of the largest underworld groups, having links and networks all over.
To fight against or reduce drug trafficking means to eliminate its roots and links completely. But this hasn't been an easy task.
The United States of America with other world leaders are trying to solve this social menace. Modern airports have been well equipped with computer detectors backed by sniffing dogs.
All these measures are just to prevent the smuggling of drugs across our borders, but what about what is already in the countries? Here the press has an important role to play. Drug awareness lessons and campaigns are also possible ways to warn children of drugs.
In fact, the campaign on drug abuse and its effect on society should be equal to the one on AIDS.