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1900

Perils of Drugs and ruined lives

Perils of Drugs and ruined lives

Author: By Simon T Dehal
Date: 2024-10-30

The scourge and menace of illegal drugs has plagued nations world-wide, caused untold hardship, misery and suffering and resulted in millions of mainly innocent persons becoming addicts and ruined lives and traumatized families and communities. Drug trafficking is a billions rand industry internationally with drug lords, cartels and other criminals operating almost with impunity and raking in billions monetarily. This is often achieved with the collaboration and co-operation of corrupt and tainted law enforcement, customs and other government officials.

The recent arrest of about a dozen drug mules at OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg is welcome news and all those that achieved this are commended -well done and keep it up! Sadly drugs of a wide variety are freely available and corrupt police and other officials help to increase rather than combat crime, including that associated with drugs.

Not only illegal drugs are a scourge and menace, but also some legal drugs, primarily opiates. Especially the abuse and manipulation thereof are a big problem in society. This is achieved with the aiding and abetting of unscrupulous medical and allied personnel who put profits before people and have little regard for scruples, good morals, honour and worthy values. Celebrities such as Elvis Presley, Prince (Symbol) and Michael Jackson and even one of the greatest footballers of all time Diego Maradona all died prematurely because of opiates and coercion of dubious medical and allied practitioners, noting that the pharmaceutical industry is a billions rand one.

Even the ANC of old had been involved in drug dealing. The Indian national Vicky Goshwami was a central figure in this malfeasance, he having also had run-ins with the law in Kenya and USA. The ill-gotten gains were used to procure arms, ammunition and vehicles in their covert operations.

Drugs -both legal and non-legal- are a major hazard and adversely affect individuals, communities and countries and have caused untold suffering, poverty, hardship and chaos internationally. Relevant authorities both local, national and internationally, must come together in a serious and concerted effort to eradicate the scourge and menace of both types of drugs.

It is common knowledge that millions of lives have been ruined by drugs. The reign of terror and horror of the Mafia, Paolo Escobar, El Chapo and other drug kingpins must never be allowed to be perpetuated. People, especially the younger generation, must be wise and discerning and alerted to the dangers and negative results of drug abuse. Social media or certain role models must not influence them, whether in the music or film industry or even in sport that promotes drug abuse, alcoholism and a bad, unhealthy and disrespectful lifestyle. Good living, commendable values and a worthy lifestyle, where one not only serves the Creator but also shows love, compassion and caring especially to those in need be practiced, including the rehabilitation of addicts who deserve a second chance in life. Where there is a will, there will certainly be a way- a way forward and a way of progress and out of misery and bondage!