The Savannah Regional Police have arrested 16 individuals in Damongo for their involvement in the illegal drug trade. Among those arrested were a teenage nursing mother and another female suspect. This crackdown, which took place around World Drug Day on June 26, is part of a larger security operation to address the rising drug problem in the region.
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Targeted Operations in Damongo
The arrests were part of a targeted operation aimed at curbing the increasing menace of drugs in the region. The suspects, primarily young adults in their late teens and twenties, were apprehended from various hideouts such as cemeteries, abandoned buildings, farms, and homes. Eleven individuals were arrested on Wednesday, with five more taken into custody the following day, June 27.
A Successful Operation
The Savannah Regional Minister, Mr. Salisu Be-Awuribe, who also serves as the Chairman of the Regional Security Council, praised the security forces for their efforts. He described the operation as a success, adding that it was an essential step in reducing drug abuse in the area. However, he also had a strong message for parents.
A Call for Parental Responsibility
Mr. Be-Awuribe urged parents not to seek leniency for their children in police stations. Instead, he stressed the importance of parents actively guiding their children away from harmful behaviours. “Parents should not just be interested in bailing out their children but counsel them and give them the kind of parental guidance that will stop them from engaging in such bad practices,” he advised.
A Warning to Drug Dealers
The Regional Minister didn’t hold back in his warning to drug dealers and users: “If you are in this business, it’s better to stop now, or there will be no hiding place for you in the Savannah Region.” This operation is part of a broader, sustained effort to combat drug trafficking and usage in the region.
Long-Term Strategy: Punishment and Education
The police operation is not a one-off event. The regional authorities have emphasized the combination of punitive actions and educational efforts to combat the drug crisis. Public education campaigns are being run alongside arrests to help reduce drug use and raise awareness about its dangers. The Minister recalled previous warnings issued by traditional leaders, such as the Yagbonwura, during Islamic celebrations, further underlining the urgency of the issue.
The Role of NACOC and the Need for Stronger Enforcement
While the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has been working to educate the public, the Minister pointed out that drug peddlers and users continue to thrive. This highlights the need for a more intense enforcement effort. The goal of the operation is not only to arrest but also to reform offenders and deter future criminal activity.
Regional Crackdown Expanding
Mr. Be-Awuribe emphasized that the operation’s reach would expand beyond Damongo. He warned that the crackdown would extend to all seven districts in the Savannah Region. Parents, he cautioned, should be prepared to face the consequences if their children are caught in drug-related offences.
Community Response
As of the latest update, several parents, including influential community leaders, were gathered at the divisional police headquarters in Damongo, attempting to secure the release of the detained suspects. However, the message from the regional authorities remains clear: the battle against drug use and trafficking in the Savannah Region is far from over.
