The Atiwa East District Security Council (DISEC), under the leadership of District Chief Executive (DCE) Ernest Owusu Ntim, has intensified efforts to clamp down on the rising cases of drug abuse in the district.
As part of an ongoing operation to curb the disturbing trend, a porridge seller who allegedly laced her porridge with tramadol and other opioids to serve unsuspecting addicts has been arrested, along with several other suspects.
The surge in drug abuse and related social vices in Atiwa East has been strongly linked to the activities of illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’, which has attracted a large youth population and created a fertile ground for illicit drug trade and abuse.
“Recently, we raided the Borga Sawmill area on Anyinam and arrested a number of drug addicts and peddlers, including the porridge seller who mixed tramadol and other substances with her porridge to sell to addicts,” the DCE revealed.
Mr. Owusu Ntim further hinted at plans by the district assembly to establish a rehabilitation center aimed at offering support and treatment to drug addicts in the area as part of a long-term strategy to tackle the menace.
He also urged the youth in the district to stay away from drugs and channel their energies into productive ventures, particularly education and skills acquisition, to help produce the needed human capital for the district’s growth and development.
The DCE reaffirmed DISEC’s commitment to intensify security operations and community sensitization programs to rid the district of drug-related activities and restore law and order.
Credit: Obed Ansah
