IPNews-Mornovia: The Association of Dream Builders International (ADBI) in a petition to Montserrado County District Four Representative and Chairperson on the Houses’ Committee on Claims, Petition and Human Rights, Rustonlyn Dennis, for onward submission to Plenary; are calling on that body to amend the Drug Law of Liberia making it non-bailable offence.

According to the petitioners, over 25 countries in West Africa have made illicit drug a non-bailable offence and have strong laws against the act. The petitioners said Liberia’s West African counterparts passed these law so as to wage war against illicit drugs.

Hence, they are speedily seeking the House of Representatives to ensure the passage of the drug law is non-bailable for the so purpose of winning the war against drug.

The group said their quest is as a result of a survey conducted that shows that 65percent of street crimes are committed by young people who are users of these illicit substances.

ADBI further argued that 45 percent of these crimes are also influenced by these very young people who are using these illicit substances. The group on their petition also noted that 5 percent of children under age 12 are also influenced by drug.

The petitioners believes a recent report by the New York Times that strengthening border points will also reduce drug usage among young people.

According to a report from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), young people under the ages of 35 years account for negative vices in Africa with Liberia being of no exception.

The petitioners argued that they have realized that many young people are falling prey to drug. Therefore, if Government does not pass the drug law or put strong policies in place, disadvantaged youth will over power the society.

“We are asking our Government to make drug law, a non-bailable offence; because when it is done, it will help the Government win the war against drug abuse, because these harmful substances are destroying the young people,” the petitioners argued.

The petitioners contended: “Honorable Legislators, it can be recalled that several young people are falling prey to drug abuse; therefore, it is time we young people rise to the occasion to pay attention to these vices and that you all speedily passed the law.”

Meanwhile, making the motion, Montserrado County District Two Representative, Col. Jimmy Smith moved that the petition be turned over the Committees on Judiciary, Health, Security and Gende to report in two weeks.