Whoonga seized in CBD drug bust

FIFTY-TWO straws of whoonga (also known as Nyaope) were seized by Vryheid SAPS last week at the Collera Centre on Utrecht Street. Two men were arrested and charged with possession of the drugs, which has an estimated street value of R1 560.

SAPS communications officer, Captain Cheryl Venter, said police officers were informed by members of the public that roughly twenty young men were smoking whoonga behind a wall at the Centre.

“The police members circled the wall to investigate and when the men saw the police, they attempted to flee but were caught. The two men who had the whoonga in their possession were arrested and charged, the rest were released,” said Captain Venter.

Other arrests are expected to be made in that area as police are on the lookout for suspicious behaviour.

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Internet sources describe Whoonga as a uniquely South African street drug that is highly addictive and destructive. It is a fine white powder that is usually combined with marijuana (dagga) and smoked. The fine white powder can be made up of anything from rat poison, heroin, detergent powder, anti-retro-viral drugs, milk powder, pool cleaner to bicarbonate of soda.

Whoonga users experience intense euphoria, deep contentment and relaxation. The effects last for about four hours. When this blissful state wears off, agonizing withdrawal symptoms set in, including severe abdominal pain and back ache, sweating, chills, anxiety, restlessness, depression, nausea and diarrhea.

It is the unbearable agony experienced during the withdrawal that makes Whoonga so addictive. A user is terrified of having to deal with the feelings of anxiety and physical pain, so the only possible cure available is another hit, and then another one, and another one after that.

Know somebody who needs help? The National Hotline Call Centre for Alcohol and Drug Abuse can be reached at 0800 121 314 and provides accurate information about alcohol and drug abuse, as well as offers alternatives and suggestions to anyone looking for answers and assistance. Staff are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They provide in-depth information about court orders, family interventions, detox, treatment, rehab programs, and anything that is related to alcohol and drug abuse. Services are free of charge.

The Department of Health also offers drug and alcohol screenings at its clinics, and hospitals assist in providing detoxification services.