Somalia Bans Narcotic Imports to Curb Drug Abuse

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Federal Government of Somalia has announced a total ban on import of narcotics as a way of combating drug abuse in the country.

Deputy Health Minister Mohamed Hassan Mohamed Bulaale while making the announcement stated that traders who will be found violating the ban will face severe consequences.

“It is prohibited to bring narcotic drugs into the country. In recent years, some traders have been importing these drugs. They should know that such drugs will be confiscated at the port and airport. I urge them to stop this practice to prevent harm to their fellow citizens,” the Deputy Minister said.

The minister’s announcement comes amidst raising concerns over drug abuse by youth in Mogadishu and other parts of the country which has also been linked to rise in criminal activities.

Early this year, the Banadir regional administration revoked several licenses in Mogadishu on claims that they were trading in narcotics.  

The measures by the administration followed several complaints from community members accusing a section of businessmen in the country’s capital of selling narcotics to the youth.