Graduates of the Corporate Area RM Court drug-rehabilitation programme applaud at their recent graduation ceremony. From left: Delroy Ledley, Donna Vassel, Damian Green, Marlon Yap and Marlon Richards. - Contributed

The Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Drug Treatment Court boasts five graduates from its rehabilitation programme, who have changed their lives following therapeutic efforts to become drug free.

The five alumni underwent six to nine months of intense rehabilitative exercises as they headed towards commendable drug-free recovery.

The graduates, Marlon Richards, Marlon Yap, Damian Green, Donna Vassel and Delroy Ledley were lauded at the graduation ceremony held at the Medallion Hall Hotel recently.

Vassel, a former abuser of cocaine, claimed it was introduced to her during her pregancy by her former boyfriend.

"My babyfada put cocaine in my weed, unknowingly, for eight years," she remarked.

Vassel also explained that she has recovered significantly since then and even joked that her quitting smoking has allowed her body to become more voluptuous.

"Mi gain weight now and look all sexier and nice and now every weh mi go man a call to me," she boasted.

Probation Officer Beverly Baugh provided some insight on the programme's modus operandi.

She explained that persons are placed in residential facilities such as the Salvation Army, Patricia House (Richmond Fellowship) and Teen Challenge.

"They accommodate high-risk abusers and assist them to become drug free with their in-house skills and training after they are clean," Baugh emphasised.

Those instrumental in the success of the court include: psychiatrist Dr Myo OO; probation officer Beverly Baugh and defence attorneys Renita Gordon, Latoya Kelly and Kristina Excel.

Resident Magistrates S Jackson-Haisley and Maxine Ellis were also lauded for their contributions.

The Drug Treatment Court is designed to assist non-violent offenders addicted to drugs.

The participants receive profound treatment and habitual court supervision.