Somaliland immigration officers trained on prevention of drugs and substance misuse

Somaliland immigration officers have recieved training on ways to curb the menace of drugs and substance abuse in the country. The training was organized by the Ministry of Endowment and Religious Affairs.

Minster Sheikh Abdirizak Sh. Hussein (Albani), asked the officers to play their role in mitigating the spread of drugs and addictive substances. Professor Sarah Aganal Simon who is the facilitator from Amal Hope said the reason for the campaign is to allow people to make informed decision on their health adding that a healthy family builds a healthy society.

Sarah said the choice to train immigration officers is to enable them identify narcotic substances and understand the ways of preventing their use. She emphasized that substances like cocaine, heroin, alcohol, nicotine and marijuana are not only addictive but also highly dangerous. She confirmed that Somaliland government is intensifying efforts to curb the trend by fully supporting this campaign adding that the fight against drug is a collective war that must be fought with knowledge hence the training.

The prevention campaign on drugs and substance misuse came at a time when Mirah/Khat is consumed as amphemine-like stimulant in the country and is becoming almost uncontrollable as they are sold freely around the country.

It is estimated that 90% of Somaliland’s adult male population, as well as 20% of its female population, chew the bitter leaf.
According to a research by the Africa Business journal, Khat has also become an important import tax earner for the government, generating 20% of its budget and providing jobs.