The fight against nyaope has taken a new turn as government departments form alliance to fight against the escalating levels of drug abuse, in particular nyaope. The department of justice and constitutional development (DOJ&CD) minister Jeff Radebe and health minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi signed an amendment of the Drugs and Trafficking Act on 28 March 2014.
Nyaope which mainly consist of a mixture of heroin or dagga, or both substances has wrecked havoc among the youth for the past years. This amendment to the Act yet demonstrates government’s commitment to fight drug and substance abuse in the country. For a while now prosecutors struggled to prosecute on nyaope, as it was not classified as an illegal drug presenting a challenge to law enforcement in terms of prosecution.
The main ingredients of nyaope, heroin and dagga, are listed as undesirable dependence-producing substances in Part III of Schedule 2 to the Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act, 1992 (Act 140 of 1992) (the Drugs Act). The use and possession of an undesirable dependence-producing substance is prohibited. The dealing in an undesirable dependence-producing substance is prohibited in terms of section 5(b) of the Drugs Act. All thanks to the new amendment to the Act the court can now impose a fine or jail term not exceeding 15 years for use and possession, for dealing one can get a fine or 25 years imprisonment.
This bizarre drug mixture nyaope, which is extremely addictive has been destroying the lives of youths in townships for the past eight to nine years. In most cases nyaope users tend to isolate themselves from family and friends and develop a rebellious attitude and they stop worrying about their appearance in the community as they become untidy and dirty. Nyaope addicts have also been known to turn to violence and crime to feed their addiction.
The department of justice is convinced that these amendments will make a significant contribution to fight against crime and to make South Africa a safer and drug free country. Community members are advised to join hands with government in fighting drug and substance abuse in the country by reporting all drug-related activities to the law enforcement.
