CJPS-LDEA Initiative Strengthens Women’s Role in Combating Drug Proliferation

The consumption and spread of illicit drugs in communities has for some time posed major problems to the safety of many communities in Monrovia its environs and other parts of the country. The impacts of the spread and consumption have left communities grappling with a number of adverse effects which include increased crime and insecurity, public health challenges, impact on youth and education, and family and community disruption.

To help alleviate some of these challenges, the Center for Justice and Peace Studies (CJPS) and the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen collaboration in addressing drug-related challenges across Liberia, commenced the engagement of stakeholders to increase community members’ involvement in the fight against the spread and consumption of illicit drugs and substance in communities.

The engagement brought together twenty-five persons including community leaders, women leaders, religious and youth leaders in Matadi Community, Monrovia. A representative of the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) provided updates on the current trends, drivers, and impact of illicit drug abuse in Monrovia, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency’s response, and enforcement of policies particularly the New Drug Law. The engagement also focused on the use of illicit drugs and other substances, and the effects illicit drugs and substances have on relationships.

The Chief Prevention, and Community Outreach Officer of the LDEA, Officer Grace Mulbah encouraged especially the women to begin taking serious actions to break the chain. “You may believe that none of your children live here anymore or that they are all grown up, but this community remains affected by the problem; any of your children or grandchildren who choose to return or relocate here could become victims.”

Participants during the interaction expressed their support to end the spread and intake of illicit drugs in their community and promised confidentiality, so that the citizens can feel safe to share intelligence with the LDEA.

“I want to appreciate the Center for Justice and Peace Studies and the LDEA for bringing this initiative in our community by creating the space for women to share their experience.” A representative of the women noted. She lauded the CJPS and LDEA for an all women session noting that sessions and meetings involving men are usually dominated by the men.

The Center for Justice and Peace Studies Acting Executive Director, Mr. Francis Senkpanie Konyon, encouraged the stakeholders to fully engage the LDEA so that all their questions and concerns can be clarified. He urged them to support the fight against the spread of illicit drugs in Liberia.

The engagement with the women is expected to increased awareness among women on the dangers of illicit drug use and trafficking, strengthen commitment by women leaders to support community-based efforts aimed at preventing the spread and consumption of illicit drugs through education, advocacy, and early intervention.

It will also enhance collaboration between women groups and the LDEA, with participants pledging to share information and report suspected drug-related activities while maintaining confidentiality to protect informants. Heightened awareness of the effects of drug abuse on families and communities, and improved understanding of the link between substance abuse and increased crime and insecurity, motivating participants to support initiatives that foster safer communities.