Police Advocate Raises Alarm Over Synthetic Drug ‘Colos’, Urges Parents to Protect Children from Substance Abuse
The Police Community Safety Advocacy (POCSAAD) has urged parents, teachers, and guardians to take a more active role in protecting children from substance abuse, warning that synthetic drugs marketed as harmless products are increasingly targeting young people.
The message was delivered by Peter Emmanuel in a public awareness video released by POCSAAD as part of efforts to educate Nigerians on the dangers of drug abuse and promote community safety.
In the video, Emmanuel stated that “Colos is produced in a lab,” adding that many dangerous drugs destroying lives today are manufactured in laboratories and deliberately packaged to attract children and young people.
According to him, traffickers often disguise these substances in colourful, attractive packaging, with some featuring cartoon characters, bright designs, and appealing labels to make them look harmless or trendy. He warned that these marketing tactics are designed to lure children and teenagers into experimenting with substances that can quickly lead to addiction.
He advised parents not to assume their children are immune to drug abuse but to start conversations early, know what their children are consuming, monitor the friends they keep, and pay close attention to the influences around them, both online and offline.
Emmanuel also highlighted some warning signs that may indicate a child is abusing drugs. These include sudden changes in behaviour, secrecy, declining academic performance, unusual sleeping patterns, loss of appetite, red or glassy eyes, mood swings, loss of interest in family activities, and associating with suspicious peer groups.
He further urged parents to remove their children from environments where drug abuse is common, encourage healthy friendships, and create a supportive home where children feel comfortable discussing challenges without fear.
The awareness campaign also called on teachers, community leaders, and guardians to work together in identifying early signs of substance abuse and strengthening preventive education among young people.
The video forms part of POCSAAD’s ongoing public enlightenment campaign aimed at reducing drug abuse, strengthening community policing, and encouraging communities to play an active role in safeguarding children and youths across Nigeria.
Drug abuse remains a growing public health and security concern in Nigeria, with experts repeatedly calling for increased public awareness, stronger enforcement against illicit drug trafficking, and greater parental involvement in protecting children from harmful substances.
Kristina Reports understands that the video is part of a drug prevention and public awareness campaign designed to educate families on the dangers of synthetic drugs and encourage early intervention before experimentation develops into addiction.
