https://en.sputniknews.africa/20240911/11-ecowas-countries-seize-over-83000-kilograms-of-drugs-31000-tablets-in-2023-report-reveals-1068235954.html

11 ECOWAS Countries Seize Over 83,000 Kilograms of Drugs, 31,000 Tablets in 2023, Report Reveals

Sputnik Africa

An ECOWAS report, titled "West Africa's Creeping Drug Epidemic: Soaring Addiction, Lagging Response," highlights the growing prevalence of cannabis, medical... 11.09.2024, Sputnik Africa

2024-09-11T12:09+0200

2024-09-11T13:12+0200

west africa

economic community of west african states (ecowas)

drugs

generic drugs

cocaine

cannabis

health

healthcare

sub-saharan africa

https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.africa/img/07e8/09/0b/1068236244_0:25:658:395_1920x0_80_0_0_1e6266ea5befd2e221462416e213e659.jpg

A new report by the West African Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (WENDU) reveals a concerning rise in drug use across West Africa, with over 83,000 kilograms of drugs and 31,000 tablets/capsules seized in 2023 alone.The WENDU report expressed particular concern over the increasing involvement of minors in drug use, calling for the immediate implementation of comprehensive substance abuse prevention programs across all educational levels.The report also emphasized the need for women-focused rehabilitation centers, given the rising prevalence of substance abuse among women and their limited access to treatment opportunities.The report acknowledged the challenges posed by West Africa's geographic location and porous borders, which make the region a key transit hub for drug trafficking.Finally, the report called for region-wide adoption of the Alternative to Incarceration program introduced by ECOWAS and for a more evidence-based approach to addressing the region's cannabis problem.

https://en.sputniknews.africa/20240613/two-britons-arrested-in-ghana-for-trying-to-smuggle-648-million-in-cocaine-1067028142.html

west africa

Sputnik Africa

feedback@sputniknews.com

+74956456601

MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“

252

2024

Muhammad Nooh Osman

https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.africa/img/07e7/04/0a/1058467512_0:0:1280:1280_100x100_80_0_0_ec723833bcbfcaed2e21952965ad99e4.jpg

Muhammad Nooh Osman

https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.africa/img/07e7/04/0a/1058467512_0:0:1280:1280_100x100_80_0_0_ec723833bcbfcaed2e21952965ad99e4.jpg

News

en_EN

Sputnik Africa

feedback@sputniknews.com

+74956456601

MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“

252

1920

1080

true

1920

1440

true

https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.africa/img/07e8/09/0b/1068236244_0:0:658:494_1920x0_80_0_0_0fa10837943cd67edb9179772b019ba5.jpg

1920

true

Sputnik Africa

feedback@sputniknews.com

+74956456601

MIA „Rossiya Segodnya“

252

Muhammad Nooh Osman

https://cdn1.img.sputniknews.africa/img/07e7/04/0a/1058467512_0:0:1280:1280_100x100_80_0_0_ec723833bcbfcaed2e21952965ad99e4.jpg

west africa, economic community of west african states (ecowas), drugs, generic drugs, cocaine, cannabis, health, healthcare

11 ECOWAS Countries Seize Over 83,000 Kilograms of Drugs, 31,000 Tablets in 2023, Report Reveals

12:09 11.09.2024 (Updated: 13:12 11.09.2024)

© Courtesy of the Space Launch Delta 45Defenders from the 45th Security Forces Squadron seize nearly 30 kilograms of cocaine that washed ashore on a Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, beach, May 19, 2021. According to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, the drugs had an estimated value of approximately $1.2 million.

Defenders from the 45th Security Forces Squadron seize nearly 30 kilograms of cocaine that washed ashore on a Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, beach, May 19, 2021. According to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, the drugs had an estimated value of approximately $1.2 million. - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 11.09.2024

Muhammad Nooh Osman

Writer/Editor

All materials

An ECOWAS report, titled "West Africa's Creeping Drug Epidemic: Soaring Addiction, Lagging Response," highlights the growing prevalence of cannabis, medical opioids, heroin, and cocaine in the region.

The WENDU report expressed particular concern over the increasing involvement of minors in drug use, calling for the immediate implementation of comprehensive substance abuse prevention programs across all educational levels.

The report also emphasized the need for women-focused rehabilitation centers, given the rising prevalence of substance abuse among women and their limited access to treatment opportunities.

"We cannot leave family and friends to continue to be the main bearers of the burden of drug abuse and the cost of SUDs (substance use disorder) among individuals," said Dr. Sintiki Tarfa Ugbe, ECOWAS Director of Humanitarian and Social Affairs. "SUDs demand a comprehensive and multi-stakeholder response."

Moroccan authorities seize 363 kg of cocaine - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 13.06.2024

Sub-Saharan Africa

Two Britons Arrested in Ghana for Trying to Smuggle $6.48 Million in Cocaine

13 June, 16:36

The report acknowledged the challenges posed by West Africa's geographic location and porous borders, which make the region a key transit hub for drug trafficking.

"West Africa’s geographic location and porous borders make it a key transit hub for drug trafficking," said Esther Grant, Director of Operations at Liberia's Ministry of Health. "The ability of states to monitor and control these borders is often limited by resources and capacity."

Finally, the report called for region-wide adoption of the Alternative to Incarceration program introduced by ECOWAS and for a more evidence-based approach to addressing the region's cannabis problem.