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The Consortium of Civil Society & Media Alliance on Alcohol & Tobacco (CAAT) has issued a strong statement refuting claims made in a viral video that suggested a young woman was heavily intoxicated due to alcohol consumption.
In an official press statement issued by the Organization’s Chairman, Mr. M.S. Biro, on Wednesday, 8th May, 2025, the organization asserted that the young woman’s condition was actually as a result of using Ecstasy, a synthetic drug.
CAAT firmly condemned what it described as a malicious attempt to misrepresent facts and damage the reputation of a reputable company in Sierra Leone’s alcohol industry. The statement emphasized the importance of promoting responsible alcohol consumption while protecting the public from misinformation.
The viral video, which circulated widely on social media, depicted the young woman in a vulnerable state, leading to claims of alcohol intoxication. However, CAAT’s investigation, claimed to be supported by credible sources, concluded that Ecstasy was the substance responsible for her condition. The organization expressed concern that the incident is being exploited by individuals seeking to extort money from the company and tarnish its public image.
In their findings, CAAT’s revealed that the young woman’s condition was attributed to Ecstasy, not alcohol, and that r he implicated company complies with national regulatory standards for alcohol production, affirming that their evidence suggests a deliberate attempt to damage the company’s reputation for extortion purposes.
“The alcohol brand featured in the video may have been misrepresented or used in a staged manner. Feedback from regular customers contradicts the claims made in the viral footage,” they further disclosed.
In light of these findings, CAAT recommended by encouraging youths to consume alcohol responsibly and be aware of the health risks associated with excessive drinking, admonishing that personal accountability and moderation are essential when making choices regarding substance use.
The Alliance condemns any form of blackmail or defamation against local investors, stating that such actions undermine economic progress and job creation, further advising young people to avoid harmful substances, particularly synthetic drugs like Ecstasy.
CAAT also reminded the public that regulatory bodies closely monitor licensed alcohol producers, and any deviations from guidelines are addressed firmly. The organization views unfounded accusations against compliant companies as unjust and harmful to regulatory institutions and government efforts to promote employment.
In a show of support, CAAT members have pledged to provide psychosocial counseling to the young woman featured in the video, and poised to launch a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of responsible alcohol use.
