Speaking at the Security Council's Meeting on Drug Trafficking in West Africa and Sahel, Ban Ki-moon disclosed that "Our latest estimates have found $1.25 billion of cocaine transiting through West Africa each year."
According to UN, a new dimension have been observed by the world body on the circulation of illicit drugs in West Africa; "In a particularly disturbing development, West Africa is no longer just a transit route for drug traffickers but a growing destination, with more than a million users of illicit drugs.
"Rising consumption aggravates an already challenging public health environment and threatens socio-economic development."
He added that " A rising portion of drugs entering West African coasts use the Sahel route on the way to the Mediterranean."
Apparently, the UN recognises the fact that "We face a particular challenge in West Africa and the Sahel.
Drug trafficking presents an enormous challenge to peace, stability, economic and social development in West Africa and the Sahel."
"In a growing number of countries, organized criminal networks also fuel the activities of terrorist and extremist groups. Corruption, porous borders and the lack of resources and cooperation only compound the problem."
Consequently, the UN has decided to evolve further measure at combating the twin menace of Drug Trafficking and Organised crimes in West Africa.
These measures includes an innovative idea of "a strong transatlantic approach that combines efforts from Latin America, West Africa and Europe." Source
No comments:
Post a Comment