The Narcotics Control Board (NACOB) has expressed worry about the youth’s gradual transition from traditional hard drugs like cocaine, heroine and marijuana to more disturbing yet equally intoxicating substances. These substances include the sniffing of super glue, carpenter glue, turpentine, marijuana laced with dried human feces as well as used and unused sanitary pads.
The Upper West Regional Commander of NACOB, Ishak Bakuri, said checks by his outfit indicate that these disturbing acts are gradually gaining grounds among the youth in the Upper West Region and other parts of the country.
Mr Bakuri said NACOB is still yet to figure out the chemical composition in the sanitary pads that allow users to get ‘high’. He said an even more worrying situation is the fact that all these new mind-altering enhancers are already existing products on the markets that have absolutely no restrictions or regulations on their purchase and usage. He said this makes it impossible for NACOB to take any actions.
Mr Bakuri mentioned this when the Minister of the Interior paid a visit to the NACOB office in the Upper West Region to interact with the staff and familiarise himself with the challenges facing the agency. He appealed to the Minister, Ambrose Dery to partner with stakeholders to finding a lasting solution to these new trends and reduce the instances of these situations.
Touching on logistics, Mr Bukari mentioned that his outfit needs more vehicles, motorbikes and personnel to function effectively.
The Minister of Interior, Ambrose Dery in his response said it was unfortunate that the youth had to resort to some of these substances to feel good. Mr Dery encouraged the youth to take advantage of government programs like the Free SHS, Planting for Food and Jobs to better themselves rather than engage in unscrupulous activities.
Story filed by Mark Smith.
