Groups set to confront drug lords who target kids
PARENTS’ organisations, child rights activists and non-governmental organisations in Chatsworth near Durban, have threatened to take the drug fight to local drug lords.
This comes after police recently discovered one of the biggest drugproducing laboratory in Chatsworth, south of Durban.
It is alleged that the laboratory was producing drugs known locally as “jelly babies” which look like jelly babies sweets. The drugs are allegedly destined for primary schools in and around Durban.
Now, anti-drugs forums have proposed that suspected drug lords in areas such as uMlazi, Wentworth, Chatsworth, KwaMashu and Durban’s affluent suburbs be targeted and driven out of their neighbourhoods. The organisations yesterday held a meeting where they allegedly drew a plan of action.
“They have now gone too far; this is a clear indication that these drug lords will stop at nothing in their bid to destroy our youth. We must all stand up and defend this country from becoming a drug capital.
“What are we supposed to do when drug lords target young ones who are still pure?” asked Durban South Anti-drugs and Gangsterism chairman Denver Wagner.
“This is war. We will not be friendly with them. The message is clear: we want them out of our neighborhoods.”
The new “jelly babies” drugs have apparently hit the streets of Durban and were selling like hot cakes.
Lieutenant Simphiwe Mhlongo, KwaZulu-Natal Hawks spokesman, has warned youth who might come across the drugs to be careful.
“This new drug aims to lure unwary primary and high school learners. It is believed to contain a concoction of dangerous drugs.
“These drugs come in different and attractive colours and they are shaped like sweets,” said Mhlongo.
He said the confiscated drugs would be tested in order to find out what ingredients they contain and how dangerous they are to the human body.
Childline’s Dumisile Nala described these latest developments as disturbing.
“We’re shocked and saddened by the expansion of drug havens that now target children.
“This shows that our children are unsafe and soft targets for drug lords,” said Nala.