By Vaye Abel Lepolu
MONROVIA, Liberia— The Federation of Liberian Youth (FLY) has expressed strong support for the Government of Liberia’s intensified campaign against transnational drug trafficking and the growing narcotics crisis affecting communities across the country’s 15 counties.
FLY president Duku Jallah commended the Ministry of Justice for its commitment to pursuing individuals and criminal networks involved in drug trafficking, including any public officials or other persons found to have facilitated, protected or participated in such activities.
The youth umbrell FLY president Duku Jallah said its support for the government’s anti-drug campaign is based on principle and must be accompanied by accountability, transparency, due process and tangible results.
According to FLY Head, the fight against narcotics must go beyond drug seizures and arrests and should focus on identifying and dismantling the financiers, organizers, facilitators, protectors and officials who enable criminal networks to operate.
As part of its contribution to the national response, FLY said it is mobilizing young people across Liberia to become active partners in the fight against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
FLY president Duku Jallah also announced plans to establish a National Youth and Security Advisory Council in partnership with the Ministry of Justice, aimed at creating a sustained platform through which young people can engage Liberia’s security and justice institutions on issues affecting national safety and security.
In coordination with the Witness Protection Agency (WPA), FLY further disclosed plans to establish a National Youth Hotline that would allow young people and members of the public to confidentially provide credible information and raise concerns relating to the drug crisis.
FLY president Duku Jallah stressed that the fight against drug trafficking must be applied fairly and without exception.
“No drug cartel, public official, businessman, political actor or person of influence should be above the law,” the organization maintained.
The Federation of Liberian Youth called for a united national response to the drug crisis, emphasizing that young people must play a central role in protecting their communities and helping Liberia overcome the growing threat of narcotics.
