INSUNKO HARMFUL TO YOUR HEALTH – DEC 

By KALOBWE BWALYA

THE Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has warned that Insunko, which is a local form of tobacco used as a psychotropic substance, is harmful to the human body.

DEC Investigations Officer Inutu Njobvu said the drug which was sniffed or put under the tongue on the pretext of warming the body was actually very harmful to the consumers.

In an interview, Ms. Njobvu said Insunko had been abused on account that it made a woman’s body warm and prepared them sexually.

She explained that Insunko was banned by the Commission because it contained chemicals which include narcotic substances or psychotropic substances that were not good for the body.

“Women, especially young girls, must not be cheated that once they take insunko, they will become warm. The worst part of it is that some of these men they are taking insunko for are married men and sugar daddies. Why would you risk your health over a married man or sugar daddy by taking substances that impinge on your health? When one tales Insunko, their veins shrink and this causes health complications in the long-run,” she said.

She explained that Insunko had health repercussions and the Commission would not sit and watch the citizens abuse it, adding that the substance makes those using it addicted to it and always dependent on it yet had devastating effects especially on body organs such as the muscles and the heart.

She added that the Commission was aware of the abuse of the product and would soon start carrying out public sensitization programmes adding that some of those who abused it had become mental patients.

“DEC is conducting a programme in the communities to try and sensitize the youths on the need to refrain from drug abuse such as cocaine and heroin because once caught abusing them, the law will take its cause because the two drugs are psychotropic substances which have seen young people ending up in mental facilities,” she said.

Meanwhile, DEC Public Relations Officer Mwenge Mulenga noted that the Commission has undertaken sensitization programmes aimed at educating young people in various communities on the impacts of substance abuse.

Mr. Mulenga said commission has established free counselling and support programmes to drug addicts who need support.

“The commission has partnered with learning Institutions, Churches and other community organisations in providing a platform to sensitize young people on the impacts of substance abuse,” said Mr. Mulenga.

And Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) Executive Director Fr. Emmanuel Chikoya called on churches to enhance their efforts in fighting the escalating numbers of young people Indulging in substance abuse.

Fr. Chikoya stated that the church should focus on coming up with more initiatives that will help young people engage in activities that are productive.

“The church should invest more in providing a safe space and establish deliberate programs such as sports facilities and many other programs to help young people from engaging in illicit activities,” he emphasized.

Fr. Chikoya added that the church must welcome young people who are victims of such vice and offer counselling and support to help them reform.