The head of drug demand reduction at the central regional command of the narcotics control commission, Deputy Narcotics Control Officer (DNCO) Alice Erzah has warned the youth of Cape Coast and the Central region about the use of narcotic drugs.

According to reports, the usage of narcotic drugs has recently sky rocketed among Ghanaian youth which has been described as a worrisome.

Data from the narcotics control commission estimates over 82,000 people use drugs in Ghana, with the data also estimating the General Prevalence of 35,000 being students aged 12 to 35.

Regional studies show higher localized numbers, where broader adolescent substance experimentation can reach over 58%.

It is also believed that about 10% of recorded drug users in Ghana start before the age of 15, with many initiating users between 10 and 13 years old with most first-time users begins between ages 16 and 18.

In an interview with kastle news, DNCO Alice Erzah described the practice as illegal and advised that youth abusing them must desist from it.

She also mentioned that, the youth were initially abusing weed, cocaine, super glue, cigarette and tramadol but just recently, they have added another drug which is widely known by the street as ‘’red’’ commonly used by the youth.

‘’If you are prosecuted on the abuse of drugs or engaging in the trading of drugs, you will spend not more than 10 years of your life in jail’’ she stated.

She also stressed that some implications of these hard drugs could result in kidney failure, madness and even death.

 Finally, DNCO Alice Erzah cautioned individuals to be vigilant of what they eat because now, people mix these illegal drugs with foods such as shito, braised rice, ice cream, drinks, groundnut paste and even toffees.

She advised the youths to desist from these illegal activities in order not to ruin their lives.

by:

DORINDA ACQUAH JAMESON