By VICTOR NWACHUKWU

Imo Government has raised concern over a remodeled form of crystal meth, a narcotic, commonly known as `strawberry quick,? and alerted students about the danger of using the disguised narcotic.

This is contained in a release signed by the Special Adviser to Gov. Hope Uzodinma on Narcotics and Illicit Drug Monitoring, Mr. Ezechukwu Obonna and made available to newsmen in Owerri, on Thursday.

Obonna said that the drug which came in the form of strawberries to avoid being easily detected, is fast spreading across secondary schools and alerted students about the danger of using the disguised narcotic.

?The drug is another form of Crystal Meth which is popularly known as `mkpuru mmiri?, so we advise students to be on the alert and avoid accepting gifts from strangers,? he said.

Obonna added that the awareness creation was part of a larger campaign by the state government aimed at educating students about the dangers of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

He emphasised the importance of making informed choices and the need for students to prioritize their health, well-being, and education.

He also mentioned the various types of commonly abused drugs to include marijuana, cocaine, and opioids, highlighting their effects and the potential long-term damage they could cause.

He further said that the resources available to support individuals struggling with drug addiction include counseling services and rehabilitation programs, which everyone including students, can access.

According to him, as part of the ongoing campaign, representatives of the state government are collaborating with the Drug Demand Reduction (DDR) Department of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Imo.

?In collaboration with the NDLEA, we visited the Akwakuma Girls Secondary, School to promote awareness and education about drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking and in supporting the well-being and safety of the students.

?The visit was an opportunity for the students to ask questions and seek guidance on how to navigate the challenges of drug abuse and peer pressure,? he said. (Text, excluding headline: NAN)

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