AT only R20 ‘a pop’, Whoonga has tightened its grip on Zululand’s poor and its young.
The little straw which contains a small amount of heroin and bulked up with dagga, rat poison and cleaning detergents, is causing devastation in areas already inflicted with crime.
According to the Richards Bay police and SANCA (South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence), whoonga addiction is quickly spreading, inflaming serious criminal activities in the region.
‘It is so cheap, that it is used by dealers to lure youngsters who quickly get addicted and have little option other than becoming ‘runners’ for the dealers at schools and in their neighbourhoods to feed their addiction,’ said SANCA Zululand Director Shireen Sahabev.
‘Many girls become prostitutes and some get trafficked to foreign countries where they are held hostage and kept as sex slaves.
‘Whoonga is rabid in Zululand and it is scary.’
With only a tiny dose of heroin in the mix, Sahabev explains the euphoric effect of the drug quickly wears off, leaving the poison and detergents to take effect.
‘When the chemicals hit in, users suffer excruciating stomach cramps, nausea, uncontrollable convulsions, paranoia and mood swings.
‘To end the pain, users run back for more whoonga.’
Richards Bay SAPS spokesperson Debbie Ferreira said despite the police’s efforts to clamp down on the issue, drug cases have significantly grown in the past year.
‘We will continue raid operations to bring down drug dealers in this area as well as having awareness campaigns.
‘But it is also important that parents have strict talks with their children and speak up if they have already fallen prey to the drug.
‘Do not keep quiet if your child has a problem – there are organisations and rehabilitation centres to assist them in recovering.’
Sahabev stressed that ‘it is never to late’ to ask for help.
‘Many addicts feel immensely guilty, but they must forgive themselves to move forward.
‘We have social workers to get the process moving.’
For more information, contact SANCA Zululand on 035 7723290.
