The organization Voice for Prisoners is intensifying efforts to combat drug trafficking from Ethiopia, focusing on protecting individuals who are coerced or deceived into smuggling drugs to Hong Kong. Founded in 2018, the organization aims to prevent the criminal exploitation of vulnerable individuals who face severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, for drug-related offenses.

In response to the growing issue, Voice for Prisoners has launched the “No More Moles” campaign, designed to raise awareness about the dangers of hiring drug mules and to educate potential victims about the risks associated with drug trafficking. Father John Wotherspoon, the founder of Voice for Prisoners, emphasized that many individuals caught in this web are not criminals but rather innocent victims manipulated by drug syndicates.

During a recent trip to Africa, Father Wotherspoon and Miss Jane Chow from the Sound Prisoners Association engaged with former prisoners, families of those currently incarcerated in Hong Kong, journalists, and officials. Their mission was to spread awareness about the serious consequences of drug trafficking and to highlight the harsh penalties imposed in Hong Kong and other Asian countries. “Individuals coerced into trafficking drugs can face sentences of up to 20 years,” he warned.

Statistics reveal a troubling trend: a significant percentage of prisoners worldwide are incarcerated for drug-related crimes, with figures reaching as high as 70% in Singapore and 65% in Hong Kong. The increasing prevalence of drug trafficking through Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport has made it a key transit point for smugglers, further complicating efforts to curb this illicit trade.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has noted that West African syndicates are increasingly involved in smuggling operations, often targeting vulnerable individuals. Many of these traffickers exploit desperate situations by promising easy money to those in need. Father Wotherspoon highlighted that women are particularly at risk of being coerced into becoming drug mules.

To address these challenges, Voice for Prisoners is advocating for enhanced security measures at Bole International Airport. The organization calls on Ethiopian authorities to implement advanced screening technologies and stricter oversight to prevent drug smuggling operations from exploiting the airport’s vulnerabilities.