Xanax abuse see pupils overdose as drug pushers invade KwaDukuza schools

Drug abuse among KwaDukuza school pupils is reaching alarming levels, with the use of prescription drug Xanax increasingly becoming a major problem.

Just before the school holidays pupils of at least two schools – Nonhlevu Secondary and Stanger Secondary – had to be rushed to hospital after overdosing on the drug.

According to a Courier source within Saps, a group of drug dealers are using pupils to sell Xanax (alprazolam) in schools.

Pupils have been caught selling or being under the influence of the drug in Groutville, KwaDukuza central business district and Glenhills.

Xanax is a prescribed tablet used for the management of anxiety disorders or short-term relief of anxiety symptoms such as depression.

KwaDukuza community policing forum chairperson, Dr Mfuneni Zungu, confirmed many schools face challenges relating to drug abuse and gangsterism, and stressed community leaders and police need to work together to intervene.

“Xanax is a prescribed medication, so how do the children get hold of the tablets and where do they come from? We face a serious problem of drug use in our society,” said Zungu.

What you need to know

• Prescription abuse sees more people sucked into addiction on the North Coast
• Help stop the rise of substance abuse among children
• Red flags that could indicate your teen has a drug problem

Drug use is said to be the main driver of gangsterism in schools, which then spills over into the townships.

Young boys are being recruited by drug dealers to join or form gangs that terrorise other pupils and the community at large.

“The gang members rob other pupils of their money, branded shoes and school bags. As a result many gang fights erupt, and do not be fooled, these kids are armed with very dangerous weapons,” said the police source.

Zungu confirmed the claims, saying just before the school holidays they had to intervene at Chief Albert Luthuli Secondary in Ntshawini where a problem of gang fights developed.

“You cannot believe the number of weapons we have found. The pupils are carrying fishing and hunting knives, which tells you we need to address the issue of access of weapons in KwaDukuza schools. One can easily walk into a store in KwaDukuza and buy yourself a knife of your choice, no questions asked,” said Zungu.

The Department of Education had not responded at the time of going to print.

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