This drug, dubbed “shabu,” a psycho-stimulant commonly used in East Asian countries, can lead to schizophrenia, addiction and violence, authorities warn, says a news item published in Arab News.

“This new type of drug is a chemical compound used in the Philippines and Indonesia, among other countries and the drug induces aggressive and criminal behavior and causes extensive damage to blood vessels” an official has said.

“Several Asian expats have been arrested after being found to be in possession of this drug,” according to a GDNC statement.

Saudis account for over 54 percent of drug users in the Kingdom, while drug addiction among women has increased by 20 percent over the past few years, according to one report.

The report states that 55 percent of drug addicts are between the ages of 19 and 30, while a study conducted by the Ministry of Interior alluded to the existence of 204,000 male and female drug addicts in the Kingdom. Female addicts account for 20 percent of these cases.

Several addiction specialists have confirmed that shabu kills off brain cells.

“Many erroneously think that these types of drugs merely help them stay alert at work without realizing just how addictive they are in the long run,” he has said.

The use of narcotics increases during exam period, when students use pills to keep them awake for late-night revision.(KH)