From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri
The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders, (COSEYL) the apex sociopolitical youth group in the South East geopolitical zone has cautioned the youths against taking Mentamphetamine and other hard drugs during the yuletide celebration.
President General of the Igbo youth group,Goodluck Ibem who gave the caution in a statement he released to newsmen in Owerri on Tuesday said he is alarmed over the increasing rate of drug abuse and intake by the youths.
According to him “It is very unfortunate and disheartening that children between the ages of 14 years and above are taking this wicked destroyer called mkpuru mmiri.
He added that “Parents and guardians must do everything within their powers to guard their children and wards against intake of this destructive substance called mkpuru mmiri.
“This wicked and destructive substance called mkpuru mmiri which means ‘ seed of water’ is a crystal narcotic hallucinogen, medically known as Methamphetamine or by its street name Crystal Meth. It has a chalk-like crystal form and can sometimes be blue.
“Crystal meth or mkpuru mmiri, can cause a spike in a person’s body temperature that they could pass out or even die. It is very dangerous to human beings.
“A user’s looks can change dramatically; from ageing quickly, to dull skin. They can also develop hard-to-heal sores and pimples and may have a dry mouth and stained, broken, or rotting teeth.
“The person addicted to mkpuru mmiri will also become paranoid and start hallucinating. They could also think of hurting themselves or others and may feel as though insects are crawling on or under their skin.
“There is nothing good about mkpuru mmiri. It is a future destroyer which is why every youth most run away from it.
Meanwhile, he vowed that his group will lead a campaign against the intake and its abuse to schools,communities and other areas to cub the menace.
While he also urged South East Governors, traditional rulers, Community leaders, and parents to join the fight against mkpuru mmiri and hard drugs.
He commended the activities of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, ably headed by Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa who he said have shown capacity in ensuring that the fight against drug abuse succeeds.