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Newcastle was once considered a haven to raise a family, an ideal environment for children away from the threats of cities. Sadly, the allure of country living and wholesome family life has become stained through rampant drug use.
According to a local survey, children as young as 13 are using crystal meth and cocaine, among other illicit narcotics.
Conducted by Ithemba Security, the survey shows that drug use has rocketed into the number one category of the biggest problems faced by Newcastle over the past three years.
Moreover, obtaining these illicit products has become a simple task to achieve for the youth, with 54 dealers and 200 so-called runners identified in Newcastle and its surrounding areas.
Ithemba Security’s Operational Director, Mornè Potgieter, explains that through his line of work, interacting with numerous people, he has noted the issue transforming into a cause of grave concern.
Through his findings, suburbs throughout Newcastle are being plagued with drugs abuse, dealers operating with an efficiency that has changed the landscape of Newcastle.
“People are being abused mentally and physically by addicts, while there are parents who are losing their businesses trying to help their children out of drugs and get them rehabilitated.”
But what is most concerning, he says, are the age groups of addicts. “Children as young as 13 are using drugs, with drug usage being most popular among 14- and 15-year-olds.”
Their drugs of choice, according to Potgieter, are crystal meth, cocaine, and cannabis, all of which can be bought in and outside of local schools.
Adding to this, for adults, purchasing drugs is just as easy. “You can have it couriered to you, or put in an order and the dealer will then deliver to you. Drugs are also being dealt out of certain shops, so you can simply walk in and get it. If you have the money, you can get drugs.”
With this said, as drug users become more dependent on these products, Potgieter says drug usage escalates to other crimes that impact the entire community.
“Drug abuse contributes to housebreakings and theft, with people stealing to support their habits. Children will steal the meat from their homes to sell, so that they can buy drugs.”
Applying action to the issue, Potgieter has helped launch an initiative to combat the drug scourge in Newcastle.
The Drug Free Newcastle project focuses on identifying areas where drugs are being sold and assisting addicts in receiving the necessary help to break away from the shackles of addiction.
“Drug dealers and the black market will always be there until the community gets together to do something to see behavioural changes and fix the issues within society that sees people turn to drugs. We want to start identifying people who need and want help and start rehabilitating them. If we can start getting people clean, we will impact the dealers’ trade.”
To make a big enough impact on the drug trade, Potgieter is urging the community to join in on the initiative and become more organised.
He also explains that law enforcement has joined in on the initiative. This includes the Hawks.
Cleaning up the source of the supply, he says that a series of operations are being implemented to target dealers and their runners, making it more problematic to conduct their business.
While many might not have much hope in the local police when it comes to fighting drugs, Potgieter highlights, “If people do not come right when it comes to reporting drugs, don’t give up. Some people might be too scared to report drug dealers, but if we work together, we can squeeze drug dealers out of town.”
Anyone wanting to join in and show your support for the fight against drugs, here is your opportunity.
Simply click the link:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/D639YwACYG69dyDJpL4zbK
What are your thoughts on the initiative? Will you join in on the fight to create a Drug Free Newcastle?
Share your views in the comment section below.
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Comments 2
I am so glad someone is doing something about this huge problem
I need to help my daughter is in the street taking drug please help me