Nacada bans 19 shisha flavours

A reveller enjoys smoking shisha in Nairobi. PHOTO | FILE

What you need to know:

  • Nacada chairman John Mutotho said that his agency was still testing other shisha flavours and the list may increase with time.

The country's anti-drug abuse agency has banned 19 shisha flavours found to contain bhang, heroin and cocaine.

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada), in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, has ordered the products to be withdrawn from the market immediately.

The banned shisha flavours include Al Fakher strawberry flavour, Al Fakher orange flavour, Al Fakher two apples with mint flavour, Al Fakher vanilla flavour, Al Fakher two appeals flavour, Al Fakher guava flavour, Al Fakher orange with mint flavour, Al Fakher orange flavour.

Others are formulated kuber (positive for morphine), nakhala molasses tobacco apple flavour, strong formulated shisha cocktail, medium formulated shisha cocktail, mild formulated shisha, Al Fakher energy drink flavour, Al Fakher packet strawberry flavour and Al Fakher chocolate with mint flavour.

CONSUMERS FACE PROSECUTION

Addressing the press in his office on Wednesday, Nacada chairman John Mutotho said those found consuming the banned flavours will be prosecuted.

“All the 19 products stand banned with immediate effect and anyone caught consuming and selling these products should be taken to court,” said Mr Mututho.

He said that the agency was still testing other shisha flavours and the list may increase with time.

So far Nacada has tested 100 samples out of which 19 tested positive for heroin, bhang and cocaine.