Illegal opiates, amphetamines spreading in Sudan

A senior official of Sudan’s general directorate for drug combating has accused international organisations of targeting Sudanese youths “to obtain quick money and wealth”.

In a statement after meeting with the security and defence committee the Sudanese Parliament, the official acknowledged the existence of “large-scale drug smuggling and trafficking” into Sudan.

He complained of the flow of “huge amounts” of Tramadol (an opiate painkiller), Captagon (an amphetamine) tablets into the country through smuggling, and their spread via pharmacies. Due to their narcotic properties, both drugs are globally controlled, and are only intended for prescription use under medical supervision.

He urged families to closely monitor their sons and daughters and pay attention to their behaviour, so that the signs of drug-related problems can be identified early.

According to the General Office for Combating Drugs in Khartoum, Sudan is the largest producer of cannabis in Africa.

The Office reported in July that most of the cannabis is cultivated in South Darfur's El Radoom locality.

The drug trade in Sudan exceeded $7 billion last year, while the use of cannabis grew by 34 per cent, especially among university students and other young people between 18 and 22 years old.