Stop mixing alcoholic beverages with marijuana - Narcotics officer

Accra (Greater Accra), 5 Mar. '99 -

Mr Sam Afari, Principal Narcotics Control Officer of the Narcotics Control Board, on Thursday warned drinking bar operators to stop mixing marijuana with hard liquor. He said the board has received reports that some drinking bar operators mix some of their hard liquor with marijuana and label it "special bitters." "This concoction makes partakers 'feel high' and increases their sexual appetite, leading to the high incidence of rape cases, especially of the under-aged and over-aged." Mr Afari was addressing members of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly at its second general sessional meeting. He warned: "Anyone caught involved in such acts will be severely dealt with in accordance with the law." Mr Afari said it is important that the assembly members embark on educational campaigns in their electoral areas to help curb 'this fast- growing menace', since some people take this "special bitters" innocently. He said the increasing use of narcotic drugs is causing a lot of embarrassment to citizens who travel especially to Europe and the US, as they are subjected to thorough searches. "While citizens of other countries pass through most immigration points easily, Ghanaians are often subjected to harassment and humiliation, notably for their involvement in drug trafficking". Mr Afari said the board has also noted that some students and the public brew marijuana as "tea", which they serve to innocent people. He called on the assembly to intensify its educational campaign to help make Ghana a drug-free nation. Mr Samuel Victor Adokwei Addo, Metropolitan Chief Executive, called on parents to spend more time with their children to ensure that they stay free of drugs. "Our inability to spend time with our children oftentimes leads them into bad company and subsequent introduction of drugs," he added.