Editor,

I wish to commend Police in Gatsibo District for the good work they are doing in cracking down on illicit drugs in the district.

The district has been infested with many people dealing in illicit drugs coming from neighboring countries.
Drugs and alcohol are more available to teens today than you may be aware of. It can be difficult for your child to just say no to drugs and alcohol.

Young people who don't know the facts and dangers about illicit drugs are at a greater risk. Children may be interested in using drugs as a way  of  dealing with the pressures of adolescence.

Therefore, we need to work together with police to build our children’ s self-esteem.

A strong sense of self-worth will help our children to say "no” to drugs and alcohol.  We should plan to discuss a wide variety of topics with our children including alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

I am a Christian and the Bible says that our bodies are God’s temples and should not be abused.

I have been reading unfortunate stories about youth who commit suicide after consuming these drugs. Some people even rape young girls when they get "high”.

On Tuesday, this week, the same Gatsibo police destroyed over 4500 packets of Marijuana and 614 litres of local potent gin commonly known locally as Kanyanga. Well done our police.

Alex Karenzi
Gatsibo