UN Police in Liberia have seized hundreds of thousands of marijuana plants and almost a tonne of dried cannabis in a clampdown on drug abuse in the country. The UN said the clampdown was launched as part of the fight against rising crime in Liberia. The West African nation is trying to get back on its feet after a devastating 14 year civil war which killed over 250,000 people. "Drugs are linked to armed robbery and other acts of criminality in a way that criminals mostly consume these products," a UN spokesman explained. During the civil war the smoking of marijuana was widespread among fighters who were often young, who now find it hard to kick the habit. "Before going to the front we used to smoke grass (marijuana). It makes you brave," an ex-combatant, who would not give his name, told AFP. "I have been trying to stop smoking grass after the war but I have not been able until now," another former fighter said. Observers say many of the armed robbers who have been terrorising the capital Monrovia are drugged former fighters. For original article click here. I went to a church once in Monrovia which had a poster stuck to the wall by the pulpit, showing a massive marijuana leaf and the caption "shine the light". I don't think the church was on drugs though - I just think they were a wee bit niave. Olly
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