BEIRUT: The Lebanese Forces marked the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking Friday, with top Lebanese officials saying more needs to be done to protect citizens from drug addiction.
“The number of addicts in Lebanon has reached 24,000, and the percentage of those addicted in schools is now 3.5 percent,” Health Minister Wael Abu Faour said.
“Prisoners accused of drug abuse are not receiving treatment in prison, and there’s been no studied policy by the Lebanese government to combat addiction – efforts are dispersed and divided,” he warned.Abu Faour spoke during a seminar entitled “Because Your Life Counts,” organized by the LF at its Maarab headquarters.
Several politicians were present, including Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi, Education Minister Elias Bou Saab, representatives of the Free Patriotic Movement and others.
LF leader Samir Geagea said that raising awareness against drugs concerned all people, whether they were supporters of the March 8 or March 14 coalitions.
“When we have good institutions, officials, nuns, monks, schools and families following up on this issue then there will be no one taking drugs,” Geagea said.