An increase of cocaine has hit the streets of Ocean View and surrounding areas, local authorities have warned.
In a statement, Ocean View Community Policing Forum (CPF) deputy chair Terence Daniels, urges parents of teenagers to look out for any signs of substance abuse.
“We, the Ocean View Community Policing Forum (CPF) and Ocean View Police urge residents to be aware that it is crucial for parents to be vigilant about their teenagers’ behaviour and watch out for potential signs of substance abuse.
“Adolescence can be a challenging and experimental time for young individuals and they may be exposed to various substances.”
Daniels adds that some of the drugs, which include cough medicine and the anxiety medication Xanax, are concerning.
According to the statement, Lean, a combination of cough medicine and cool drinks, can be highly addictive and dangerous.
“This combination, also known as purple drank or ‘sizzurp’, contains codeine, an opioid found in certain cough medicines and is mixed with soda or cool drinks. It can be highly addictive and dangerous, leading to respiratory depression and other health risks.”
Xanax, a benzodiazepine medication, is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders.
“It is a prescription medication and acts on the central nervous system to produce calming effects.”
Meanwhile, cannabis (weed) and Xanax are entirely different substances with distinct effects on the body and mind, adds Daniels.
“They are not related in terms of strength or potency.”
Ocean View Police acting station commander Capt Nick Spreeth says police have seen an increase in cocaine found on the streets.
“For this specific type of use (prescription drugs) we have only found one or two in the past six months however there has been an uptick in the amount of cocaine that has been found.”
He added that while schools have not pointed to prescription drugs as an aggressor, searches are being conducted at schools with the permission of school principals.
“We have not had any complaints from any of the schools regarding this as an aggressor.
“Searches are being conducted at the schools with the permission of the school principal.”
Contact a professional for advice
- Option 1: Call 0800 435 748 (0800 HELP 4 U) – the City of Cape Town’s 24/7 toll-free alcohol and drug helpline.
- Option 2: Visit your nearest social development office; a social worker or psychologist in your area (expect to pay private rates); or the school psychologist if you are a teen.
- Option 3: If you are 18 years or older, you can go directly to one of the City of Cape Town’s clinics offering matrix-certified drug and alcohol support programmes or your nearest community-based treatment service, such as SANCA.
- Call 0800 220 250 or go through the list of SANCA offices
