World Drug Day 2023: Combating Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking - U.S. Embassy and Liberia Join Forces

On June 26, countries worldwide, including Liberia, observed the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, also known as World Drug Day. Established by the United Nations on December 7, 1987, this significant day aims to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of illicit drugs.

The theme for World Drug Day 2023 is "People First: stop stigma and discrimination, strengthen prevention." In Liberia, the annual drug-burning event organized by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) took place at Disco Hill, which served as a cremation ground during the Ebola crisis. This solemn occasion serves as a reminder that substance use disorders and drug trafficking persist even during crises, and communities affected by war, epidemics, or disasters face additional challenges in recovery when illicit drugs are present.

In his 2023 State of the Union address, President Biden emphasized a greater focus on disrupting illicit drug trafficking, expanding access to evidence-based prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery, and ensuring that every jail and prison in the United States can offer treatment for substance use disorders.

The U.S. Embassy in Monrovia commends the emphasis on increasing prevention, treatment, and recovery services for individuals with substance use disorders. Recognizing that law enforcement actions alone are insufficient, these efforts offer hope to those battling addiction and their families. It is crucial that these initiatives are evidence-based, adequately funded, and free from stigmatizing practices that can impede recovery and deprive individuals of the necessary community support.

While it is the primary responsibility of every government to protect its citizens from threats such as drug abuse and illicit trafficking, ordinary citizens also have a role to play in supporting initiatives that educate Liberian youth about the dangers of drug abuse.

To support the Liberian government's efforts in enhancing drug demand reduction measures as part of its response to narcotics, the U.S. Embassy is training 105 trainers on the Universal Prevention and Universal Treatment Curriculum. This evidence-based training is expected to improve Liberia's response to substance use within its population.

The LDEA, in collaboration with Liberian security partners, is actively working to combat narcotics trafficking within Liberia. Through border and international port operations, the LDEA continues to seize and destroy illicit drugs, thereby mitigating their adverse impact on the lives of Liberians. The LDEA and Liberian security institutions are encouraged to sustain their joint efforts to combat drug trafficking and enhance public trust and confidence. U.S. government-funded projects in partnership with the Carter Center, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the Colombo Plan aim to support the LDEA in becoming a credible and effective organization.

The United States is proud to offer support for the commemoration of this year's International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Close collaboration will persist between the U.S. Embassy, the LDEA, other law enforcement agencies, and the Ministry of Justice to reduce drug abuse and illicit trafficking and provide assistance to those on the path to recovery from addiction.