By NAKUBIANA SHABONGO-
ZAMBIA has a serious problem of alcohol abuse and youths’ addiction to psychotropic substances which must immediately be addressed, the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has said.
DEC Deputy Commissioner, Lotti Mpundu said the issue needed to be addressed immediately as it would have a negative impact on many people, especially the youth.
Mr Mpundu said drug abuse affected people during their productive years resulting into low educational levels, inability to secure employment and health complications among other things.
He said the DEC had continued to partner with various stakeholders in the community in its quest to increase awareness on the dangers and effects associated with abuse of alcohol and drugs.
He was speaking during the launch of the Anti-Drug Abuse song and braille brochures for public awareness in Lusaka.
“As we celebrate Zambia’s fifty years of independence, peace and unity, I would like to assure that the commission will continue working with a number of stakeholders in sensitising members of the public on the effects of the substance abuse and money laundering through various mediums.
“It is through working together that vices like drug abuse, trafficking, money laundering and indeed other crimes could be effectively controlled. We need to continue working together in adressing these vices in the community,” he said.
Zambia National Federation of the Blind president, Keshi Chisambi said the war on drugs was a difficult one.
Mr Chisambi said drugs were addictive and had long term negative impact such as severe health effects.