The Sunday Mail
Stories by Tendai Chara
NEW and dangerous drugs have been introduced on the market, The Sunday Mail Society has established.
Our investigations reveal that a “mysterious” drug commonly known as muti is among the new drugs and substances that are being abused.
Muti, which is a short form for muti usina zita (tree without a name), is an imitation of the dangerous recreational drug crystal methamphetamine (crystal meth).
The drug derives its name from the fact that its contents are unknown to the users.
“This drug is unbranded and its contents are unknown to users, hence the name,” our source, who only identified himself as Max, said.
The drug’s make-up is known only by its creators, who are believed to be individuals with a pharmaceutical background.
The results of the drug sample that was taken for tests at the Government Analyst Laboratory, several weeks ago, to ascertain the components had not been released by the time of going to print as the lab kept requesting more time.
Apparently, the testing appears to be a lengthy and cumbersome procedure.
Alarming
Mr Wilson Box, the director of the Zimbabwe Civil Liberties and Drug Network (ZCLDN) said research had shown that there are several new substances which have hit the market this year.
Rogue elements in society have become dangerously innovative, as they are mixing all sorts of stuff to produce illegal drugs.
Sadly, lives have been lost in the process.
“We are currently doing research on drug abuse in the country, and have discovered that there are 11 new substances that are being abused,” revealed Mr Box.
The new substances, he added, will be made public after the conclusion of the research “Situational analysis on drug use in five provinces in Zimbabwe”.
Police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, requested time to check with their drug section before issuing a statement.
He, however, applauded the public for having a keen interest in the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“The ZRP applauds the public for supplying useful information to the police in the fight against drug and substance abuse,” said the police spokesperson.
Source
Information privy to this publication indicates that muti is at times mixed with Broncleer, Histalix and Benylin. This has proved to have lethal effects.
The drug can, however, be taken on its own.
Unlike other dangerous recreational drugs imported from South Africa and other countries, muti is manufactured in backyard pharmacies by local players.
This has made the drug a cheaper alternative for many drug abusers.
While a gramme of crystal meth can be sold for as much as US$9 in Harare, the same amount of muti costs as low as US$2 or less at times.
However, the price can be as high as US$5 depending on the location.
The drug is readily available in most of the high-density suburbs in Harare.
Indications are that muti is fast overtaking crystal meth – commonly known as mutoriro, dombo, guka or ngoma – as the most abused drug.
“It is fast becoming popular because it is readily available and cheaper. Broncleer is no longer easy to get and crystal meth is a bit expensive,” said a drug user who chose to remain anonymous.
Broncleer is smuggled into the country while Benylin is locally sourced.
“There is a shortage of the abused prescription drugs, but local ‘backyard pharmacies’ have been up to the task.”
The drug is said to be highly lethal and of “inferior” quality. Some of the drug abusers have suffered from severe memory loss, hallucinations and seizures.
In some cases, it is believed to trigger suicidal thoughts, and even cause suicide.
Combating strategy
The Government and other stakeholders have made efforts to address drug abuse but the problem remains a cause for concern.
Mr Box feels there is need for a change in approach to win the war on drugs.
“The problem is that our law views those who abuse drugs and substances as criminals. As a result, the abusers go underground and will not seek help for fear of being arrested,” said the ZCLDN official.
“Drug and substance abuse is a public health issue. Calls must be made for drug abusers to come forward and get free treatment. They must not be viewed as criminals. That way, we will effectively fight the scourge.”
Marijuana and Broncleer, also known as “bronco”, are believed to be the most commonly abused drugs in the country.
However, pharmacists interviewed by this publication said there has been an increasing demand for Benylin of late.
They initially thought it was “something to do with the past winter season flu and colds”, but the demand has not subsided thus far.
In most high-density areas, empty packs of the drug will be littered across garbage dumps.
Crackdown
Police have over the years intensified crackdowns on drug peddlers, syndicates and users.
Crack teams have been set up, and this has led to the arrest of several peddlers and the destruction of their bases.
Most of the culprits have been arrested in Chitungwiza, Mbare, Mabvuku, Glen View, Glen Norah, Mufakose and South View, among other areas.
Previously, the police arrested scores of people under operation “No to Crystal Meth”. In the operations, some suspects were caught selling sex-enhancing drugs and illicit brews.
Those arrested have either been fined or jailed after appearing in court.
A Cabinet committee on drugs has also been set up, though it is yet to make public its findings.
Impact
Research by organisations that focus on drug and substance abuse shows that the practice is particularly rampant among the youths in the 18-35 age group.
This is the range that constitutes the majority of the nation’s working population. A country’s economy suffers as labour productivity declines because of illnesses and drug-related deaths.
Research further shows that drug abuse contributes to serious problems such as sexually transmitted infections, infertility and cancer.
Drugs are often used and abused by the youths for them to feel “high” or to supposedly boost energy, improve performance at work or school, and to lose weight or control appetite.
The majority of the drugs are highly addictive and have multiple short-term and long-term health consequences that include psychotic behaviour, seizures or even death due to overdose.
