Over 30 percent of the young population is reportedly abusing the crystal methamphetamine, commonly referred to as mutoriro, gukafella, ice or glass in street lingo, a court heard yesterday.

Dr Clancy Taiwa Nyamakure, a medical practitioner and forensic tests expert, who is also serving as Assistant Commissioner in the Zimbabwe Republic Police, told Chief Magistrate Munamato Mutevedzi that although a study on prevalence on use of crystal methamphetamine was yet to be conducted countrywide, he believes 30 percent of youths are partaking the dangerous drug.

Asst Comm Nyamukure said this while testifying when the State led by Mr Michael Reza was making aggravating submissions in a case where Matthew Hopkins (29), had admitted to possessing the dangerous drug.

In admitting possession of crystal meth, which he claimed to have bought in Mbare’s Joburg Lines, Hopkins said he wanted to consume the drug out of curiosity.

He claimed that he only bought it after seeing others using it.

Chief Magistrate Mr Mutevedzi is expected to sentence him today.

Asst Comm Nyamukure said there has not been a study to quantify the prevalence of use of the drug, but from stories written and number of reported incidents, “30 percent of the (youth) population are using crystal methamphetamine”.

“The increase of admissions at mental health institutions and outcry from social media also pointed to the number of people using the crystal methamphetamine,” he said.

Asst Comm Nyamukure said the drug was being smuggled from India, Brazil and other Asian countries.

He said the drug is made in a laboratory using pseudoephedrine which is a parent drug that is combined with others.

“It is classified as amphetamine which contains a chemical structure that looks like amphetamine.

“Medically, it is used as metamorphic in the treatment of obesity or hyper-disorder. It is toxic to the brain.”- The Herald