MBABANE- Vapes are increasingly luring children into drug abuse, addiction and gangsterism, the Royal Eswatini Police Service has warned.
The warning was delivered during the Khoisan Educational Open Lecture at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre, where Officer Fortune Dlamini of the Manzini Regional Headquarters addressed learners from various schools on the growing dangers of substance abuse and organised crime.
Dlamini cautioned learners against believing that hubbly and vapour devices were harmless or safer alternatives to cigarettes. He said many young people were being misled into thinking vaping was a healthier lifestyle choice or an effective way to stop smoking, yet the products exposed users to addictive substances and harmful chemicals.
According to Dlamini, nicotine contained in many vape products and hubble mixtures can interfere with brain development, concentration, learning and memory, particularly among children and teenagers. He added that some vaping liquids contained chemicals capable of damaging the lungs and increasing the risk of respiratory illnesses.
He dismissed claims that vaping could help smokers quit tobacco.
“These are not methods of stopping tobacco smoking. Instead, they introduce another form of addiction while exposing users to additional health risks,” he said. Dlamini urged anyone wishing to quit smoking to seek professional medical assistance instead of relying on products marketed as safer alternatives.
He also warned that some hubbly and vape devices were increasingly being used to consume illicit drugs, exposing unsuspecting users to highly addictive substances. The police officer said criminals were exploiting social media and peer pressure to make vaping appear fashionable while concealing its health and legal consequences. He further expressed concern over the emergence of youth gangs in schools and communities. According to Dlamini, gangs often target vulnerable children by promising friendship, protection, popularity or quick financial rewards, only for recruits to become involved in violence, robbery, theft, drug trafficking, vandalism and other criminal activities.
He urged learners not to succumb to peer pressure and instead associate with positive role models while participating in sport, cultural activities and educational programmes.
Dlamini said drug abuse and gangsterism were closely linked because criminal groups frequently used drugs to recruit, manipulate and control young people.
He added that substance abuse contributed to poor academic performance, strained family relationships, mental health challenges and criminal behaviour. Parents and teachers, he said, should remain alert to warning signs such as sudden behavioural changes, declining school performance, secrecy, unexplained money or expensive items and withdrawal from family members.
He urged learners to report suspected drug dealers, gang activity and bullying to teachers, parents or the police, saying protecting children required cooperation between schools, families, law enforcement agencies, religious organisations and communities.
“No drug is worth sacrificing your future. Your education, your health and your dreams are far more valuable than temporary excitement or peer pressure,” Dlamini said. He said the awareness campaign formed part of the Royal Eswatini Police Service’s ongoing efforts to prevent substance abuse and crime by educating young people before harmful habits developed.
