Liberia’s president, vice, cleared in drugs test

Liberian President Joseph Boakai has passed drugs and illegal substances tests conducted on him as he begins his tenure as head of states.

Mr Boakai underwent a drug test on Wednesday in response to his promise during his address to the country’s legislative arm barely a week after he became the president.

Similar tests were carried out on the Vice-President and other officials as carried out by the country’s Ministry of Health.

President Boakai said the test is a fulfilment of his commitment made that he will leave no stone unturned in combating the prevalence of drugs and other substance abuse in Liberia.

He declared drug abuse a “national health emergency” while addressing members of parliament.

He added that, “The drugs epidemic, especially the use of kush [a mixture of cannabis, chemicals and medicine], is disturbing. It’s destroying the youth and future generation of our country.”

He called on other officials to take the drugs tests as part of efforts to put an end to the epidemic.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Liberia has one of the highest rates of drug use in West Africa, with cannabis and heroin being the most popular narcotics.

The report says drug addiction is more common among young people aged 15 to 35, with men being more likely to take drugs than women.