Tricia Iwuoha
The act of drug abuse has plagued every society of the world, though the percentage may vary, as well as the substance, owing to the fact that both International and local investors, constantly up their game to outdo one another.
Methamphetamine Hydrochloride, popularly referred to as Crystal Meth, Ice or Mkpuru Mmiri (Ice block), a slang coined from the Igbo language, has taken centre stage in drug history and is now very rampant in South Eastern Nigeria. It comes in clear crystal chunks or shinny blue- white rocks and can be consumed directly or made soluble and injected into the bloodstream.
Tracing its origin to Japan as far back as 1919, this man-made drug was reportedly grossly abused during World War II, when it was issued to pilots on a suicidal mission called Kamikaze, but after World War II, it was said to have been briefly used as a medication for depression and for controlling obesity. Following these discoveries, it was however quickly abandoned and banned thereafter, especially from the 1970s, but sadly today, it is now produced and consumed locally. It was reported that since the 1990s, production of Crystal Meth was hijacked by Mexican drug cartels, who eventually came into Nigeria in 2016, under the guise of international business relations, but set up chains of hard drug manufacturing laboratories.
Mkpuru Mmiri is a very addictive stimulant that renders the user hyperactive and prone to maniac and destructive tendencies which may include suicide or homicide at the slightest provocation, without a feeling of remorse. The drug alters the physical appearance of its users, typically makes them look older and their faces prone to acne. Sometimes, excessive use leads to dry /chapped lips, damaged gum and teeth, commonly called Meth mouth.
In 2019, the drug was said to be costlier than cocaine and that its Africa production was rated highly in the international drug market. Little did anyone know that the drug was also consumed in Nigeria at an alarming rate, and has become the destroyer of youths especially in the South East, thereby exposing these communities to the dangerous effects of Mkpuru Mmiri as it is consumed recreationally, and often mixed with other drugs, causing the youths to become burdensome on their families and communities, not to mention countless reports of murder or maiming of family members due to its uncontrollable effect to the brain.
It is common sight to see addicts on the streets of Igbo communities, especially young men between the ages 20 to 30. Some of them tirelessly walk the streets naked or half naked, looking haggard and unkempt, murmuring to themselves and cursing incoherently. These are unfortunate victims of Mkpuru Mmiri and they entirely operate on a different level from normal human beings.
Observing the increasing damage the drug has on the youths which has driven many young men to their early graves, some communities in Anambra and Imo states, have waged aggressive war against peddlers of Mkpuru Mmiri, such that anyone caught is banished, while their youths who consume it are publicly punished by flogging as seen in videos gone viral on social media. This step is believed to help end the menace and safeguard the communities.
Presently, the Imo law makers have called on Governor Hope Uzodimma to constitute a state committee that will work with the NDLEA to tackle the dangerous dimension it has already taken in many Igbo communities, while suggesting the need to mandate the Ministry of Health to enlighten the youths on the use of the illicit drug. In Enugu state, the youths have taken precedence in commencing various campaigns and sensitisation programs against the illicit consumption of Mkpuru Mmiri.
Swinging into action, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has put a spotlight on the South East, and is monitoring the production, abuse and trafficking of Mkpuru Mmiri. The agency is working to see that the sources of such illicit drugs would be shut down and those behind it brought to book.
This nerve wrecking reality, calls for massive public enlightenment campaigns, hence the time for the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and all similar agencies in the states of the country to re-establish their relevance and patriotism to humanity, using Mkpuru Mmiri as campaign focus. Parents, stakeholders, town unions, religious leaders etc. are not left out in this clarion fight, for all hands must be on deck to win.
