The Cry of Society About the War on Hard Drugs and Substances: Where Have We Wronged Drug Dealers?

Hon. Kankpenuba P.N. Wisdom

The fight against hard drugs and illegal substances has been a long-standing battle for many societies. Governments, law enforcement agencies, religious bodies, and civil society organizations have waged war on drug abuse and trafficking, yet the problem continues to escalate. The devastation caused by hard drugs – broken homes, lost lives, crime, and deteriorating mental health – leaves communities crying out for solutions. But in this battle, an uncomfortable question lingers: Where have we wronged drug dealers?

The Harsh Reality of Drug Abuse

Across the world, societies suffer from the harmful effects of drug addiction. Young people, often seeking escape from unemployment, peer pressure, or emotional distress, fall into the deadly grip of substances like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and synthetic opioids. Families mourn as loved ones are lost to overdose, criminal activities rise due to drug-related offences, and rehabilitation centres struggle to accommodate the increasing number of addicts.

Governments have declared war on drug trafficking, enacting strict laws and launching crackdowns on dealers. However, despite the arrests, imprisonments, and even extrajudicial measures in some places, the drug trade remains alive. Instead of disappearing, it has adapted, becoming more sophisticated and elusive.

Have We Addressed the Root Causes?

Rather than simply asking where we have gone wrong, we should also ask why drug dealers exist in the first place. The truth is that many drug traffickers are not inherently evil; they are often victims of a broken system – pushed into illegal trade due to poverty, lack of employment, and social neglect. When legitimate opportunities to earn a living are scarce, crime and illicit businesses become tempting alternatives.

1. Economic Hardship and Unemployment

In many regions, young people struggle to find stable jobs. With limited opportunities, some turn to drug trafficking as a means of survival. The promise of quick money outweighs the fear of legal consequences.

2. Weak Educational and Social Support Systems

A society that fails to educate and guide its youth creates a vacuum that is filled by crime and addiction. Schools and families play crucial roles in preventing substance abuse, but when education is underfunded and family structures collapse, young people become vulnerable to drug culture.

3. Corruption and Weak Law Enforcement

The irony of the war on drugs is that while street-level dealers are arrested, major drug lords often remain untouchable. Corruption within law enforcement agencies allows the drug trade to flourish. Some officials turn a blind eye in exchange for bribes, making the battle against drugs ineffective.

Rethinking the War on Drugs

If society truly wants to win the war against drugs, it must go beyond punishment and focus on prevention, rehabilitation, and economic empowerment.

1. Invest in Youth Development and Job Creation

Governments should create sustainable employment opportunities and vocational training programs. If young people have alternatives, fewer will be tempted by drug trafficking.

2. Strengthen Community and Family Support Systems

Community leaders, religious institutions, and schools must work together to educate and support young people. Awareness campaigns on the dangers of drugs should be continuous, and mentorship programs should be encouraged.

3. Rehabilitation, Not Just Punishment

Many drug dealers are also victims—of poverty, addiction, and circumstance. Rather than treating them as irredeemable criminals, societies should provide rehabilitation programs, helping them reintegrate into productive life.

4. Fight Corruption in the Justice System

Drug policies must be enforced fairly and without bias. The real drug lords—those who control the trade from behind the scenes—must be held accountable, not just the street-level dealers.

Conclusion

The war on drugs cannot be won through arrests and executions alone. Until we address the social and economic factors driving the drug trade, we will continue to fight a losing battle. Society cries for an end to drug abuse, but it must also ask: Are we truly fighting the problem, or just attacking its symptoms? If we want lasting change, we must not only wage war on drugs but also build a world where drug dealing is no longer seen as an escape from poverty and hopelessness.

By:

Hon. Kankpenuba P.N. Wisdom

Assembly member, Kaleo East

Dean of Discipline. Wa Technical Institute