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Revealed: The drug most abused by Kenya’s super-rich
Meth is a lab-made or synthetic stimulant with high potential for addiction, according to the US National Institute on Drug Abuse. When sold as shiny bluish-white rocks or crystals, it may be called “crystal meth,” “Tina,” or “ice.”
Methamphetamine, commonly known as crystal meth or locally as ice, is the illicit drug of choice among the super-rich in Kenya, the United States Department of State (DOS) has revealed.
Meth is a lab-made or synthetic stimulant with high potential for addiction, according to the US National Institute on Drug Abuse. When sold as shiny bluish-white rocks or crystals, it may be called “crystal meth,” “Tina,” or “ice.”
The DOS said that records by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) showed increasing consumption of locally adulterated versions of methamphetamine alongside prescription drugs, especially by the affluent.
“Drugs entering Kenya are often consumed by the affluent who get treatment through private care, eluding detection by authorities, which makes prevalence difficult to ascertain. While not subject to domestic controls, there is significant khat use in Kenya as well, including in traditional practices,” DOS said in a newly published report on Kenya.
The high use of meth among the super-rich in Kenya is likely to bring a fresh focus to the campaign against drug abuse. Past campaigns have mainly focused on low-income neighbourhoods and slums—leaving the menace to flourish in affluent homes.
In September last year, a meth lab linked to the Mexican Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) was seized in Namanga, Kenya.
Through paper trails, forensic analysis of mobile phones and other aspects of the ensuing investigations, officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations arrested several suspects, including Betty Mukami Micheni, Caroline Wambu Muchira and Francis Maina Gachau, Nigerians Agwu Ojukwu and Egwu Ogba, and Mexican Alvarado Israel Vera.
The lab was the first confirmed large-scale operation by a Mexican cartel operating in Kenya.
Meth has a wide range of short- and long-term effects on the human body.
“Methamphetamine’s short-term effects typically include feelings of euphoria and increased alertness and energy. It can also cause serious negative health effects, including paranoia, anxiety, rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat, stroke or even death. Long-term use may lead to insomnia, memory loss, development of a substance use disorder, and other health problems,” NIDA says.
Records also show that methamphetamine use has contributed to the acquisition of viruses such as HIV or hepatitis B and C by users.
“Sharing injection equipment, including syringes, may transmit HIV and hepatitis B and C among people who inject methamphetamine,” NIDA said.
“Because of its effects on sex drive and confidence, methamphetamine use may lead to changes in sexual behaviour, such as more sexual partners and less use of protective measures. This raises the chances of HIV and viral hepatitis transmission,” it added.
The DOS said the most commonly used controlled substances in Kenya are cannabis and prescription drugs, noting that there is increased domestic production of drugs in the country.
“Diazepam is the most used prescription drug, followed by artane, rohypnol, amitriptyline, largactil, codeine syrup, tramadol, piriton, biperiden, haloperidol, propofol (anaesthetic), and olanzapine (anti-psychotic drug)” the US said.
