Tuesday, 16 April 2013

Drug trade builds political parties & politicians – Dr. Aning

The Security expert and Director of Academic affairs and Research at the Kofi Annan International Peace Keeping Centre (KAIPTC), Dr. Kwesi Ennin has indicated that the drug menace in the nation cannot be eradicated.

According to him, it is impossible to totally eliminate the menace because the trade has grown large and gained support from political figures and parties.

It cannot be eradicated “because the trade is now way too big…It builds politicians. It builds political parties. It transforms lives at the local communities; people are given traditional titles…So, eradication; No,” he said.

The Security expert was commenting on the recent interception of a substance suspected to be cocaine by the combined efforts of the National Security and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) at the Takoradi Port.

They impounded a container in which the substance was hidden. The substance was wrapped in four parcels and hidden in ladies bags and was further concealed in a container.

It weighs over a kilogramme and is reported to have a value worth an amount exceeding GHC 60,000.

Addressing the media on Saturday, Mr. Frederick Gavor, Takoradi Sector Commander of the Customs Division of GRA, said two suspects, the clearing agent and the importer have all been sent to the capital city for investigations to begin.

Nonetheless, Dr. Kwesi Ennin suggesting solutions to the drug menace in the country, emphasized the need for the agencies, charged with responsibility to control the menace, to be well-equipped and resourced.

He said on Radio Gold’s newspaper review that some amount of money should be allocated to boost the agencies and also added that the government should review the legislation on drug peddling, so as to nip the practice in the bud.

He also expressed worry over the rate at which the nation has become an attractive point for drug barons and therefore called for the education on the consequences of the trade to be heightened.

Source: Peacefm Online

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