Author: Baria Johnson | Published: 4 hours ago
Map|Warrap and Abyei border – courtesy
Authorities in the Abyei Administrative Area have raised alarm over increasing drug abuse among young people, warning that it is driving higher crime rates and dangerous behavior.
Information Minister Yohana Akol said tablet-type drugs are the most commonly abused substances and are widely sold in tea places across the area.
“We have a serious challenge of drug abuse among the youth. These tablet-type drugs have become very common in Abyei and are sold in tea places,” Akol told Eye Radio in a phone interview. “Drug abuse has increased crime rates and led to new, worrying behaviours among the youth.”
He added that authorities have also recorded suicide cases linked to drug abuse.
“Just last week, we recorded two suicide cases because of drug abuse,” he said. To curb the problem, Akol said the administration has banned drugs, locally made alcohol, and bars selling imported alcohol.
“We have banned drugs and alcohol, and through the Ministry of Education we are conducting awareness campaigns in residential areas to educate youth on the dangers of drug abuse,” he added.
