Security personnel in Kiambu Sub-County have decried increase in bhang smoking among young men despite concerted efforts to curb trafficking of the drug.
Speaking in his office on Thursday, Kiambu OCPD Stephen Ng'etich said they have arrested many culprits in connection with bhang smoking, but the vice is still soaring.
According to Ng'etich, many youth have opted to smoke bhang after the local administration moved to stop production of illicit brew.
“We have realised that many of our young people have shifted from consuming illicit brews which is no longer available to smoking of bhang which is a bit cheaper, and this is a very shocking trend,” said Ng'etich.
He added: “In the last few months, numerous cases of bhang trafficking and use have been reported, and this is a dangerous habit as bhang use is known to pose health hazards.”
The police boss called on members of the public and particularly parents to assist security officers in fighting the bhang menace by reporting the drug traffickers and users to the relevant authorities.
“This challenge needs cooperation between the police and members of the public and that is why I appeal to those with relevant information which may lead to the arrest of the culprits to volunteer it to police,” he said.
He however lauded members of the community for their cooperation in the fight against illegal liquor production and consumption in the area urging them to continue reporting those people who engage in preparation and distribution of illicit brews.
He urged the area administrators to organise public barazas to sensitise local residents on the hazards of alcohol and bhang abuse.