adminA SURGE in cases of young people abusing illicit drugs and substances is not only alarming, but has become a national issue.
In some communities, around the country, the issue has now spiralled out of hand.
To say the spread of this new cancer is now shocking, would be an understatement.
So dire is the scourge that a collective effort is now needed to tackle it.
Despite numerous campaigns against the consumption of these drugs, it seems we are far from winning this battle.
As the media, it appears all our campaigns are falling on deaf ears.
However, as media we are not throwing in the towel despite the sad reality that it is real and raging.
In recent months, we have read about top celebrities, policy makers, influencers and ordinary folks who have been caught in this web.
This alone shows we still have a long way to go.
This cancer is spreading like a veld fire with no signs of receding.
Some of the young people have since given up on life as a result of drug and substance abuse.
Others have lost jobs, opportunities and even their lives.
Drug and substance abuse does not only take its toll on health but destroys lives as well.
It also breeds violence, impairs judgement and even causes mental breakdown.
Drug and substance abuse-related violence is on the rise and this should be worrying.
In extreme cases, people have been left injured or dead as a result of violence sparked by the consumption of drugs.
Yesterday, we carried a story of a Banket teenager who died at a base known to be home to those who indulge in drug and substance abuse in this farming community.
He was said to have been fatally struck by his clique following a misunderstanding over a debt.
The late teen was believed to be a regular client in the buying, and consumption, of crystal methamphetamine, known as guka, in street lingo.
While suspects have been arrested over the issue, it’s sad how we continue to lose the young ones to drug and substance abuse-related violence.
It’s sad that we are allowing these substances to be moved by drug lords.
They are the real culprits.
It’s high time these paddlers are jailed.
It’s also high time whistle-blowers play their part to ensure we bring to book these paddlers.
The police need to step up since these people, selling and circulating illicit drugs and substances, are well known.
As a nation, with one of the best police forces, the arrest of these drug peddlers should not be an issue.
In cases where they are nabbed, they should meet the full force of justice to ensure that would-be offenders learn a thing or two.
Rewards to expose drug paddlers should also be offered to ensure that we flush out bad apples.
Illicit drug and substance abuse survivors should also help us in this campaign.
A collective effort is needed to bring these drug paddlers to book.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter