DRUGS
JANUARY 13, 2010
BY EUGENE OMILO
A recent report from police in Mombasa put cannabis sativa and heroin as the most abused drugs amongst users in the region.
The revelation comes as the number of those found in possession of drugs increase over the months.
A report containing the monthly returns on narcotic and psychotropic substances for the month of December last year shows that police arrested a total of 47 suspects in connection to drugs in the larger Mombasa district.
Mombasa OCPD Tom Odera said the war on drugs is still on adding that most of those arrested have their cases pending before court.
A total of eight suspects have been sentenced for between six months and four years in prison after they were convicted for being in possession of drugs.
The most notorious areas with rampant usage include Mwembe Tayari, Ganjoni and Mbaraki all located within the central business district and Mwandoni, Mshomoroni and Bombolulu in the town’s outskirts.
Others include Tudor, Miritini, Changamwe and Mikindani.
Out of those arrested, females were only four.
Odera said the high rates of abusing bhang arise from the fact that they are cheap to buy as compared to the other drugs.
A roll of bhang which is similar to a stick of cigarette goes for between Sh 10 and Sh20 depending on the areas they are bought.
Other drugs used moderately include hashish, cocaine, opium and LSD.
The report indicates victims include both locals and those from upcountry contrary to claims that it is only those from Coast who indulged in the menace.
In his visit to the region during the Christmas season, President Kibaki appealed to local leaders to involve themselves more in the fight against the menace that has put the lives of many youths in jeopardy.
ENDS…
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