WARNING: New drug hits Pretoria schools
Education department acknowledges new drug rumour.
A new drug disguised as candy has hit schools in Pretoria, according to social media reports.
Learners and parents have been advised to be on the lookout for the new drug, which is known as either “strawberry quick” or “strawberry pop”.
According to reports, this is a type of crystal meth that smells and looks like ordinary strawberry pop rocks.
Reports go on to say that the candy “sizzles and pops” in one’s mouth.
The Gauteng department of education has acknowledged these rumours and told schools to be on high alert.
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Gauteng department of education spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department has a safety strategy in place for all their schools.
The SAPS is called in to conduct random searches and raids when any drug-related activities are suspected, or when learners carry weapons onto the school’s premises.
“Learners found in possession of drugs or any illegal substances will be taken through a disciplinary process by the school,” Mabona said.
“Psychological support is organised for the involved learners to provide them with life skills and to discourage them from committing similar offences again.”
Mabona said the department has implemented the following to fight drugs at schools:
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– All schools have been encouraged to develop policies to assist with curbing substance abuse.
– School-based support teams identify different types of drugs and various symptoms.
– Educators in high-risk areas have been trained to identify substance abuse at schools by the South African Narcotics and Cancer Association (SANCA).
– Substance abuse is discussed in the school curriculum.
Peer support groups have also been introduced at secondary schools.
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