21 Kenyan pharmacies shut down over sale of anti-anxiety pills to minors

2d19afb9 e2c1 4927 93fd 3d1fc7810fb7

Kenyan Authorities have closed down twenty-one pharmacies in Mombasa, southeast of the country, for selling Rohypnol, an anti-anxiety drug to minors.

The drug which is a central nervous system depressant and sometimes serves as sleeping pills is abused by a large population of youth particularly in the coastal region due to its euphoric effects.

The prescription drug, according to local news platform Nation is usually used by the youth to get ‘high’ because of its affordability.

Mombasa County Commissioner Mahmood Noor indicated that more than 20 suspects have been arrested and investigations are still ongoing.

“We will smoke out all criminals. Some are as young as 16 years old and already engaging in criminal activity. We won’t allow disorder in this country. We have also poured over 30,000 litres of chang’aa and mnazi,” he was quoted by Nation.

According to him, the drugs were being sold to minors between the ages of seven and sixteen. The drug sells at Sh 150 ($10) in local pharmacies.

The operation forms part of government efforts to combat illicit drugs and brews in the country. Some 167 bars in the coastal region were shut as a result of the operation and it will be extended to Likoni and Jomvu areas, Mahmood Noor indicated.

Rophynol is the trade name for the drug flunitrazepam, a central nervous system depressant. According to the U.S. Office of Justice, the drug causes slow psychomotor performance, muscle relaxation, decreased blood pressure, sleepiness but may have side effects of headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.

It is usually used in combination with alcohol, and other hard drugs including heroin and marijuana. It is usually snorted, ingested, or injected. 

More from Qonversations

Uncategorized

ff44f9fb 89c6 45ec 8323 dfe60077ec87

After setback, Musk presses forward with federal worker threats

Uncategorized

6f9c0c2c f1ae 46ef ab84 ed89f50526b7

Australia fines Telegram for delay in answering child abuse, terror questions

Uncategorized

ed34224e 1154 4a73 8fb7 64b4f07bf319

Thousands in limbo on Thai-Myanmar border after scam centre crackdown

Uncategorized

c837e478 44e2 44f1 b502 42245fcd44b7

South Africa open to nuclear project bids from Russia or Iran, minister says

Front of mind