By Omojola Opeyemi
Panic engulfed local gin vendors in Zango community, one of the satellite towns in Lokoja recently when a man collapsed and became unconscious after allegedly smoking Colorado, an illicit drug, popularly known as ‘Colos’.
The incident occurred around the area known as ‘Up Zango’, opposite Tipper Garage, famous for its local gin bars and sale of illicit drugs.
It was observed that the man identified as Abdullahi (full name withheld) had spent time in one of the a popular joints in the area taking alcohol and weed along with his friends.
Not satisfied, the man was said to have moved on to another joint to top up his cocktail of drinks with the lethal Colorado .
Suddenly, there was pandemonium among local gin vendors when Abdullahi collapsed and became unconscious shortly after taking ‘Colos’.
The confusion attracted a crowd of mainly local gin sellers, buyers and curious passers-by within the community who gathered to revive the victim while others kept their distance prefering to feed their eyes.
Soon after, his friends started pouring water on him while he remained motionless on ground. After several minutes, he regained consciousness but was dazed. His friends then carried him into one of the houses.
This sparked jubilation in the joint as his friends made funny gestures about who the next victim would be. Before long, they returned to their tables to finish their drinks.
It has been observed that security agents have raided the joints on a few occasions to halt the worrisome activities but the business has weather all storms.
The popular street drug known as colos is a type of synthetic marijuana made up of shredded dry leaves or even grass on which a mixture of many harmful chemicals are sprayed on it.
The use of Colorado drug can result in rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, seizures, anxiety, psychosis, mood swings, hallucinations, vomiting and even organ failure.
