Police urge parents to take action to prevent drug abuse

TEACHERS and parents are urged to work together to ensure that their children stay off drugs. According to Greenwood Park police, it is believed that some learners resort to using drugs as a way of relieving exam stress.

The station’s spokesperson Sergeant Vincent Mthembu said they have noticed that many local schools are faced with the problem of substance abuse, particularly codeine. The learners, according to police, mix any codeine-based cough syrup with cool drink to form an intoxicating drink known as ‘lean’.

“We have confiscated a lot of cough mixtures after school from learners. Teachers have raised concern about the scourge. It is also important for parents to observe their children’s behaviour. We also urge pharmacists to stop selling over-the-counter cough syrups to youngsters,” said Mthembu. 

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The concoction dating back to the 90’s can cause various health problems including dental decay, impaired vision and can even lead to the slurring of one’s speech. He went on to say drug abuse is not the only problem schools face.

“Our schools are also challenged by learners going into school grounds with dangerous weapons, violence and bullying. We urge our learners to focus more on their education and not engage into any illegal activities, as that may ruin their future,” he said.

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Mthembu further emphasised that as police – they have a open door policy, saying learners should not be scared to report their peers who are engaging in criminal activities.

“Bad behaviour leads to negative consequences. Criminals belong behind bars not in schools.” he said. 

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