By YVONNE CHATE –
THE Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has said it will enhance its anti-drug and money laundering campaigns to curb the ever increasing vices, especially among the youth.
The commission pledged to generate public awareness through educating citizens on the dangers of drug abuse and provide counselling to drug-dependent persons to restore their integrity and wellbeing as well as reduce the demand for illicit drugs.
DEC Copperbelt regional commander Beatrice Mpango said this when donating of items worth K3, 400 to Cicetekelo Youth Centre in Ndola under the theme, ‘togetherness to fight drug abuse and money laundering to zero tolerance’.
“Drug Enforcement Commission is mandated to control the drug scourge by arresting all involved in trafficking and cultivating of psychotropic substances because it has grown from insignificant to worrying levels,” Ms Mpango said
DEC was doing this as a way of contributing to the enhancement of security, social and economic development of Zambia.
Ms Mpango said youths possess the power to develop the nation or destroy it based on the decisions they make in their personal lives.
Lack of basic social needs and education were among the leading factors in the alarming money laundering levels.
“Lack of basic needs and education are among the leading factors in drug abuse and money laundering , we wish to celebrate our golden jubilee with you in a special way of bring a donation to you,” she said.
Ndola District Commissioner Rebby Chanda called on the youths not to engage in bad vices that would ruin their lives.
Mr Chanda said having been street child at one point, he would love to see other children in similar circumstances prosper and become responsible members of society in future.
“I was a street kid for two weeks because things became difficult but here I am district commissioner and if you stay away from bad vices you will become something in future,” he said.