The Imo State Government has raised alarm over a newly disguised form of crystal meth, known as strawberry quick, which is reportedly spreading among secondary school students.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Owerri, the Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodinma on Narcotics and Illicit Drug Monitoring, Mr. Ezechukwu Obonna, warned students to be wary of the dangerous drug, which comes in the form of strawberries to evade detection.
“The drug is another form of crystal meth, popularly known as mkpuru mmiri, so we advise students to be on the alert and avoid accepting gifts from strangers,” Obonna cautioned.
He noted that the awareness campaign is part of a broader effort by the state government to educate students on the dangers of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. He stressed the need for young people to prioritize their health, well-being, and education by making informed choices.
Obonna also highlighted commonly abused substances such as marijuana, cocaine, and opioids, emphasizing their harmful effects and long-term consequences.
To combat the rising threat of drug abuse, he disclosed that the government is working closely with the Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Imo State.
“In collaboration with the NDLEA, we visited Akwakuma Girls Secondary School to promote awareness and education about drug abuse and illicit trafficking while supporting the well-being and safety of the students.
“The visit was an opportunity for the students to ask questions and seek guidance on how to navigate the challenges of drug abuse and peer pressure,” he added.
Obonna further stated that counseling services and rehabilitation programs are available for individuals struggling with addiction, urging students to take advantage of these resources for a drug-free future.
