Cape Town faces rising cough syrup abuse among youth

AS DRUGS continue to plague communities across South Africa, Cape Town has seen a surge of cough syrup abuse, especially among minors.

- ROBIN-LEE FRANCKE

In a recent operation on the Cape Flats, Safety and Security mayco member, JP Smith, said they were alerted of the increase in cough syrup being sold to children across the metro.

During crime prevention operations in Lavender Hill on Friday, Smith said residents were explaining how cough syrup is being bought and mixed with fizzy drinks by children.

Many users claim the mixture, known as "lean", gives them a high.

During the operation, Smith said they found cough syrup bottles strewn all over the place, especially at job corners.