The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has raised alarm over a new method of smuggling marijuana into schools, with the drug now being packaged in tea bags to evade detection.
Deputy Director-General of NACOC, Alexander Twum-Barimah, revealed that a first-year senior high school student in the Eastern Region was recently caught with one of the marijuana tea bag samples hidden in his school bag.
“I went to Asamankese in the Eastern Region and during my conversation with the District Chief Executive, he mentioned that a form one student was coming to school and among his belongings, a wee tea bag was found,” Mr. Twum-Barimah said in an interview with Woezor TV on Sunday, September 28.
Drug Use Spreading to Younger Students
He further expressed worry that the problem is no longer confined to senior high schools but is spreading to basic schools as well. Citing one case, he said a 16-year-old boy had been caught with two sticks of marijuana.
“There was a person that we contacted at that time, and we found a 16-year-old boy. He carried two sticks of marijuana. Sixteen? Two sticks. Why should that happen?” he lamented.
The trend, he noted, has become so pervasive that several district assemblies are now requesting NACOC offices in their jurisdictions. Offices have already been established in Asamankese District, Adansi Municipality, and Ashanti Akim District to strengthen local response.
Crackdown on Tramadol Abuse
Mr. Twum-Barimah also disclosed that NACOC had closed down six drug stores and two pharmacies for selling unapproved high-dose tramadol
“Tramadol usage is not illegal. But by law, you can use 50 mg or 100 mg maximum, and that should be on a prescription from a physician. Dosages above 100 mg are not permitted,” he clarified.
Rising Concern Over Youth Drug Abuse
He recounted a personal encounter with drug-impaired driving, narrating how a motorcyclist suspected to be under the influence crashed into his car while speeding.
Mr. Twum-Barimah stressed that NACOC, under the leadership of Brigadier General Mantey, remains committed to tackling the drug menace among young people.
“We have a leadership that is determined to do what is right, and even if we cannot eradicate drug use completely, we will bring it to the barest minimum,” he assured.
Source – My News Ghana
About the Author
