WALE RAISES ALARM ON ‘COPEN CRISIS’

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The Leader of Opposition Hon. Matthew Wale has raised serious concern over the increasing use of the locally produced drug copen and other illegal substances among children and young people.

Wale described the rise in substance abuse as a growing crisis that threatens the future of this country and its youth.

“We have been living through a crisis that is only getting worse. I have raised this issue twice last year because communities were crying out that young lives were being destroyed by these harmful substances,” Wale said.

The Opposition Leader stressed that despite widespread public concern, the government has failed to take responsibility for understanding and addressing the root causes behind this dangerous trend.

“There appears to be no clear national strategy, no coordinated and sustained interventions, and no urgency from those in authority. All the while, this drug is spreading like wildfire in our communities. We cannot continue to treat this as a minor issue when it is burning away the very fabric and future of our society,” Wale stated.

Hon. Wale also highlighted that outdated laws and weak enforcement mechanisms are contributing to the problem, calling for urgent legal reforms and greater investment in prevention, education, and rehabilitation programs.

“Our laws are outdated and ineffective in dealing with the changing nature of substance abuse. We need to modernize our legislation and support enforcement agencies to respond properly. This must be a national priority,” Hon. Wale added.

He urged the government to act swiftly and work closely with communities, schools, churches, and civil society organisations to safeguard the country’s children and youth.

“We must protect the next generation. If we continue to allow our young people to fall into addiction and despair, we will all pay the price. The time to act is now,” Hon. Wale concluded.

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>>>Opposition Press