This archive report was first published on 15 August 2019.
Published on August 15, 2019, a group of 22 drug users detained in Mombasa police stations have approached a magistrate court seeking an order to be supplied with methadone.
Methadone is a synthetic analgesic used as a substitute in the treatment of morphine and heroin addiction.
The addicts, who claim to be undergoing rehabilitation, expressed fear for their lives if they do not receive the drug that helps alleviate their cravings.
Arrested in a major crackdown launched by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, the youth, aged between 18 and 29, were apprehended in Mombasa as part of the government's war on drug trafficking at the Coast.
According to Matiang'i, the rise of young gangs terrorizing residents in Mombasa is linked to drug abuse.
During a court hearing, a suspect, Mbarak Said Mbarak, who was charged with possessing one roll of bhang worth Sh50, requested the court to order the police to provide the addicts with methadone, citing severe headaches since his arrest on August 12.
"Sir, I pray you come to my aid. If I don't get the methadone drug, I might not last to see the end of this case. I feel like I'm going crazy," Mbarak Said Mbarak said.
Another suspect, Mohammed Omar, who was charged with possessing 50 grams of bhang, stated that he has been unable to sleep due to nightmares since his arrest.
Most of the suspects, including Shaban Mohammed, who pleaded guilty to being found with 10 sachets of heroin, claimed the drugs were for personal consumption.
