Police in Garissa town on Monday nabbed contraband drugs that are frequently sold over the counter following a sting operation conducted on chemists.
The operation follows widespread public outcry from locals who alleged abuse of prescriptive drugs in Northeastern had reached its peak
According to the poisons and pharmacy board regional inspector, Mr Ali Omar, local youths were buying rohypnol, diazepam, lexatanil, midazolam, codeine and other codeines containing drugs to get intoxicated.
Speaking in Garissa town on Monday, Omar said a ban had been imposed on the sale of such drugs in chemists in a bid to reduce drug abuse among the youths.
He said the nabbed drugs can only be sold to an individual with a clearly documented written prescription from a registered doctor.
"Local youths are using the drugs as a substitute for muguka and miraa chewing. Six people have so far been arrested and will be taken to court in due course," Omar said.