DRUGS SALE ALARMING, SAY COAST RESIDENTS

Nairobi

Top anti-drugs activists at the Coast want the National Campaign Against
Drugs (Nacada) boss Joseph Kaguthi to concentrate more on the region, which
is losing youths in big numbers to the vice.

The proprietor of the Reach-Out Rehab Centre based in Kikambala, Mr Mohammed
Murad, said Nacada should initiate more programmes and make extensive tours
at the Coast.

Murad said the effect of Nacada was not being felt at the Coast, where drug
consumption and sale had reached alarming levels. The last time Nacada boss
toured Coast was late last year and only concentrated on Mombasa district.

Murad expressed concern over the high level of hard drugs consumption and
sale in Mombasa, Malindi, Kwale, Lamu, Kilifi and Taita Taveta. "Nacada
should mobilise its resources and personnel and put more initiatives at the
Coast to create awareness on the dangers of drugs and hold sessions with the
youth," said Murad. The anti-drugs activist said boys as young as 12 were
already actively involved in the consumption of hard drugs like heroin and
bhang.

Murad wants religious leaders and anti-drugs activists to be part and parcel
of Nacada's main committee to initiate programmes and campaigns at the
Coast.

Speaking to the Sunday Standard, Murad said the role of Nacada should be
felt at the Coast. "Many of our youths are drug addicts and these drugs have
continued to easily find their way to the Coast," said Murad. Some unguarded
borders, like Lunga-Lunga and Old Port, have been major entry-points for
drugs.

Murad said: "You will find that only consumers are arrested and not the big
fish who are well known and continue to supply drugs." Murad said drug
consumption and the "open sale" in estates and villages was a serious issue
that needed to be urgently addressed.

He called on parents not to harbour drug peddlers and barons.

"Parents and members of the public should be in the forefront in helping us
get rid of drug peddlers," Murad pleaded.