In the depths of the community-based narcotic dens in prominent areas of the Kumasi Metropolis, a highly potent crystal known as "rock" is wreaking havoc, generating immense profits for drug peddlers while devastating lives at an alarming rate.
This crystal, no larger than a typical rock salt, possesses a psychoactive punch that propels users to euphoric heights, ensnaring anyone who dares to try it in an inescapable cycle of addiction.
Ali, a source who preferred to remain anonymous, vividly described the power of this drug, recounting instances where individuals of means have bartered property, including buildings, in exchange for a steady supply of this narcotic substance.
"The smallest crystal of rock can fetch fifteen cedis (GHc15) and vanishes in a matter of seconds. But the sensation it induces is out of this world," he explained.
Users typically employ a small pipe, known as a bunker in the local vernacular, to consume the drug. The crystal is placed in the pipe, sprinkled with crushed cigarette butt, and then ignited. The ensuing high is intense but fleeting, leaving the user in a state of blissful disorientation.
For the peddlers, the exorbitant price of the substance, combined with its ruthlessly addictive allure, represents a lucrative opportunity within their illicit trade.
"Rock" serves as a reinforcement for the figurative chains and prison gates that ensnare its users in a cycle of costly escapades with narcotic drugs.
As word of this substance spreads rapidly within drug-peddling communities and narcotic hubs, Ghana faces the daunting prospect of health hazards and associated risks posed by individuals seeking to satisfy their addictive cravings with "rock".
Another addition to the market is "Tie", a substance comprising inferior cocaine mixed with powdered Indian hemp. Its psychoactive potency rivals that of "rock", and it is typically rolled in a small wrapper and smoked like a cigarette.
According to Ali, some addicts have exhibited signs of severe dehydration, attributed to the substances' ability to sap the body of its fluids.
In addition to "Tie", a type of Indian hemp known as "amnesia" has gained traction, competing with the traditional variant popularly referred to as "weed". Peddlers claim that this type is imported from other countries, leading to its moniker "foreign weed". The origins of this variant remain unclear, raising questions about potential drug trafficking issues at Ghana's borders.
Efforts to combat this menace are complicated by the involvement of security operatives within units tasked with leading the fight. Ali revealed that many peddlers had gone into hiding upon receiving insider information about impending police raids.
Regrettably, law enforcement in the Ashanti Regional capital has tacitly acknowledged the chronic drug menace plaguing certain areas, seemingly resigned to its ineradicable nature.
The ramifications of this epidemic extend beyond individual health concerns to encompass broader societal threats. As drug addicts resort to criminal activities to finance their habits, the public bears the brunt through increased instances of fraud, theft, and even armed robbery. Women in these communities often turn to risky behaviors such as trading sex for money, heightening the risk of contracting and spreading sexually transmitted diseases.
Children born into these environments face bleak prospects, with limited access to education and exposure to drugs from an early age. Without intervention, these children are at risk of perpetuating the cycle of addiction and crime, perpetuating intergenerational poverty and societal instability.
Addressing this multifaceted challenge demands a concerted effort from all sectors of society. Without decisive action, the specter of intergenerational poverty and its associated ills will continue to loom large over Ghana's communities.
-source starrfm | curated by Neizer Gyamfi | Ghana Crimes
