President Joseph Aoun highlighted on Wednesday that drugs pose a greater danger than terrorism or corruption due to their deep penetration into families and societies, which, he warned, can ultimately lead to their disintegration.
During a meeting with a delegation from Youth Against Drugs (JAD), led by Joseph Hawat, Aoun stressed the urgency of tackling the drug epidemic that continues to plague Lebanon.
The president also raised concerns over the rising issue of cyber addiction, which he described as a rapidly evolving threat to young people. He pointed out that while technology can be a force for development, it can also be exploited to harm others, with potentially deadly consequences.
“This is a serious threat to the Lebanese population, and we must address it before it spirals further out of control,” Aoun stated, distinguishing between the constructive use of technology and its harmful exploitation.
Aoun also called for a collaborative effort between parents, associations, schools, universities and society as a whole to combat the growing drug problem in Lebanon. He assured that the government would play its part by tackling corruption, one of the main enablers of the drug trade, strengthening judicial measures and imposing harsher penalties on those involved in drug promotion. Additionally, the president emphasized the need to activate the role of the Internal Security Forces’ anti-drug agency in combating this problem.
On the broader front, Aoun underscored the importance of securing Lebanon’s borders, where drug smuggling remains rampant. He called for a more active role for customs authorities, acknowledging their pivotal function in curbing the drug trade.
“While it may not be possible to completely eliminate drugs, we are committed to significantly reducing their presence in Lebanon,” he said, emphasizing the detrimental effect the drug trade has had on the country’s reputation, particularly in light of the rising smuggling operations in and out of the nation.
The president’s remarks also extended to the ongoing challenge of cyber addiction, stressing the need for urgent measures to prevent its harmful impact on young Lebanese citizens.
Comments