Students to educate peers on dangers of drugs and prostitution |19 July 2011

For this reason the Police Department hosted a one-day workshop at its headquarters in Victoria where a group of post-secondary students learned more about the different kinds of illicit drugs that have not only made their way to our shores but are being cultivated here.

They also spoke about prostitution and how the two issues are most of the time related.

Police Commissioner Ernest Quatre also met these students and spoke to them about the importance of having some knowledge on the two subjects.

He said these are some scourges of the society and the young people can play a vital role in educating not only their friends but also other people in their community.

The first presentation was on marijuana, hashish, ecstacy and heroin.

Lance Corporal Aubrey Petrousse told the students that these drugs are common here though each may have different effects on users.

He gave them a list of signs to help them recognise drug addicts. For example heroin users tend to sleep a lot and lack appetite and most often look unhealthy and skinny.

There were also the legal aspects of drug trafficking and possession.

Sub-inspector Nancy Henry spoke about the alarming issue of prostitution.

She said they know that it exists but proving that someone is a prostitute is not an easy task.

There were also social workers who shared with the students the impacts of illegal drugs and prostitution in society.

These two issues got the attention of the young audience who were eager to not only listen to the police officer and social workers but also share their knowledge.

Ms Henry said these students will now become ambassadors in their schools and educate others on the dangers of drugs and prostitution.

Among the post-secondary schools which were represented were the School of Advanced Level Studies, National Institute of Health and Social Studies, Seychelles Institute of Technology and School of Visual Arts.

The Police Department is hoping to host a similar meeting for other schools.