The Military and Drugs

Some months ago, we ran a story about an accident involving a military vehicle, in which bags of cannabis were reportedly found at the scene of the accident. It was stated in the report that people who converged at the scene of the accident were suspicious that the bags of cannabis were from the military vehicle.
Our report did not go down well with some people within the ranks of the military; we received several threats with regards to the article but we were not bothered because we know that as journalists we do not create news, rather we report on things that are happening. We have been vindicated by the recent arrest and subsequent dismissal of two soldiers found in possession of large quantities of cannabis sativa. The development is indeed a clear proof that there exist some disloyal and unscrupulous soldiers who are hiding behind uniform to engage in dubious activities. We therefore wish to bring to the attention of the top brass of the military this hard fact and call on them to double their efforts in being vigilant to ensure that whoever wears the camouflage acts within the confines of professionalism and military ethics.

We need not remind anyone that the president is exhausting all efforts to ensure that the country does not become a narcotic state; this explains why he was personally involved with the extra equipping of the NDEA so that operatves of the Agency can efficiently execute their duties. It is the responsibility of us the people which the institution of the military is no exception to complement the efforts of the leadership in this crusade. In fact those who are occupying public office should take the lead in this campaign and not be accomplices in the illicit business. They should by all accounts realise that they owe an obligation to the people, and for that they must execute their duties without compromising the laws of the land just for filthy lucre. If they do, then History will never forgive them. The involvement of soldiers in illicit drugs sharply contravenes our collective aspirations and would undoubtedly drag the reputation of the noble institution to the mud if those few disloyal elements in their ranks are not identified and brought to justice.


The top brass of the military should not take the issue of drugs in their midst lightly, they should always be mindful of the fact that before 1994, the army was an isolated institution, the conditions of the soldiers particularly the junior ones was quite appalling. Today however, the story is the complete opposite, as the leadership has unquestionably elevated the country's army to the highest standards. The salary structure of the army is now very respectable; soldiers can now afford for themselves compounds, vehicles and any other luxury that other high- earning employees can afford. The institution is intellectually equipped, through the intervention of President Jammeh. We now have university graduates in the army, high-calibre engineers, doctors, technicians, and experts in all disciplines.

The institution should therefore not let that high regard the leadership has for them be tarnished by an insignificant minority that does not share our collective aspiration. As journalists we would continue to play our role as watchdogs and we hope the military would pay heed to our call and quickly purge out those who exploit their status and positions to engage in illicit drug trafficking.