CONCERNED parents and community leaders in Gizo, Western Province have sounded the alarm over the unregulated sale and use of a locally made drug known as ‘copen’.
They have expressed concern because lives of young children and students are at now risk.
Copen or sometimes called ‘scoop’ is a homemade substance reportedly mixed with tobacco substance, colgate and other household substance is being openly sold in some parts of the town which is not new at all.
It cost around $3 to $5 dollars per packet or scoop.
Reports from community observers revealed that certain market vendors are involved in producing and selling the drug, despite knowing the risks it poses.
Vendors have reportedly justified their actions by saying they depend on the income to feed their families.
However, many parents and community leaders argue that such practices are irresponsible and dangerous.
“Yes, they may earn a little income, but they are destroying the future of our children. This drug is killing them slowly,” a concerned parent told the Solomon Star.
One hotspot for copen sales is believed to be the Buni KHY betel-nut area, where students and young people frequently purchase the drug.
Community members say that without urgent intervention, the issue will spiral further out of control.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that in some Gizo communities, copen users are already showing severe health problems, including mental health issues and painful sores inside their mouths.
“Some of these victims are hiding at home, too ashamed or sick to seek medical help,” a concern parent from one of the community where usage of copen is very active said.
The problem is compounded by other contributing factors such as marijuana use and heavy alcohol consumption among young people.
Community leaders have called for stronger parental guidance and a coordinated response from authorities.
“Parents need to step up and talk to their children. We also need the police and health authorities to crack down on the production of this harmful substance,” another community elder in Gizo said.
In Honiara the situation is also the same where many students are now accessing it to use for pleasure.
Copen is yet to be included as an illegal substance. Thus, police cannot arrest anyone for producing and using it.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
