21 Kenyan pharmacies shut down over sale of anti-anxiety pills to minors

The drug which is a central nervous system depressant and sometimes serves as a sleeping pill is abused by a large population of youth particularly in the coastal region due to its euphoric effects.

The prescription drug, according to local news platform Nation is usually used by the youth to get ‘high’ because of its affordability.

Mombasa County Commissioner Mahmood Noor indicated that more than 20 suspects have been arrested and investigations are still ongoing.

“We will smoke out all criminals. Some are as young as 16 years old and already engaging in criminal activity. We won’t allow disorder in this country. We have also poured over 30,000 litres of chang’aa and mnazi,” he was quoted by Nation.

According to him, the drugs were being sold to minors between the ages of seven and sixteen. The drug sells at Sh 150 ($10) in local pharmacies.

The operation forms part of government efforts to combat illicit drugs and brews in the country. Some 167 bars in the coastal region were shut as a result of the operation and it will be extended to Likoni and Jomvu areas, Mahmood Noor indicated.

Rophynol is the trade name for the drug flunitrazepam, a central nervous system depressant. According to the U.S. Office of Justice, the drug causes slow psychomotor performance, muscle relaxation, decreased blood pressure, and sleepiness but may have side effects of headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion.

It is usually used in combination with alcohol, and other hard drugs including heroin and marijuana. It is usually snorted, ingested, or injected.