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"Addiction is really a disease of loss. You lose your relationship with your parents. You lose your relationship with real friends. You lose your job. You lose your freedom." This is a quote from a young man who was once an accountant and who is now a drug addict.
It was Unisa's Pro-Vice Chancellor, Prof Mandla Makhanya, who thought it vital to introduce the launch of the 2009 Annual Report of the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) at the Senate Hall with this powerful quote on Thursday afternoon.
Illicit drugs present the world with an ongoing challenge and represent an incredible danger to society. The consequences of illicit drugs are widespread and fuel organised crime, fund terrorism and adversely affect public health.
Under the theme "Primary prevention of drug abuse", the report reflects on previous successes, identifies existing challenges and discusses recent developments affecting the global production of and demand for drugs. The report also highlights several good reasons for society to give concerted attention to preventing drug abuse.
Prof Makhanya indicated that the words of the young accountant were sobering and reminded society that addiction is a disease that is often incurable. However, he also said that drug abuse should not be a disease which takes hold of society; rather, people should unite to control and prevent drug distribution.
In looking at how to prevent drug abuse, Prof Makhanya said that schools, businesses, and social and family environments must be continuously informed about the impact of drug abuse and how to access resources to empower their communities.
Dr Jonathan Lucas, Southern Africa Regional Representative for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), said an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that preventing and reducing drug abuse in populations that are either not using or not seriously involved with drugs was crucial.
He said cannabis is the most widely produced, trafficked and abused drug in Africa, but the good news is that seizures of cannabis continue.
According to the report, West Africa has become an important transit and stockpiling area for cocaine consignments from Latin America destined for Europe. Almost all West African countries are affected.
Why West Africa?
- Increased surveillance on traditional trafficking routes
- Proximity to Latin America
- Weak states: "permissive working environment"
- Existence of highly efficient but flexible West African organised crime groups
South Africa is also a particularly attractive destination and operational hub due to its well-developed financial, communication, legal, energy and transport sectors, as well as the increase in the movement of people and goods across borders. The country is also an attractive base for organised crime groups involved in money laundering and drug trafficking in the region.
Deputy Chairman: Central Drug Authority, Mr David Bayever, said the drug problem in South Africa was extremely serious and that the use of some drugs in South Africa was double the world norm. | 
