A dangerous street substance known as “suck-and-die” is spreading fast among young people in Nigeria, raising fears of addiction, brain damage, and sudden death.
The drug, also called Sukudie on the streets, is a chemical solvent inhaled by teenagers and young adults to get a fleeting high. It is cheap, easy to find, and often hidden in everyday bottles. Experts warn it is one of the most toxic substances now circulating among Nigerian youths.
“It’s like a slow wind blowing inside your head. Your whole body just calms down,” said 19-year-old Jacob, a regular user in Lagos.
He explained that many teenagers inhale the substance in secret, sometimes even in front of their parents without being noticed.
Investigations show users inhale the vapour directly from bottles, soaked rags, or plastic bags — a method called “bagging.” Medical experts say these practices can quickly damage the brain, cause unconsciousness, or lead to death.
Genesis Ayuka, a drug abuse campaigner, warned that prevention is key.
“Drug education should be mandated in schools. The root is to prevent the youths from even trying drugs. Addiction is a disease, and it is extremely difficult to control, even more difficult to cure,” he said.
Related Stories:
- Police Arrest Five Over Stolen Malnourished Children’s Food in Borno
- NDLEA Arrests Two Brazil Returnees with 116 Wraps of Heroin, Cocaine
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raised the alarm over the rise of “suck-and-die” and other cheap substances. Its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said in November 2024 that seizures in Lagos and Kano showed a worrying increase in new psychoactive drugs.
“Parents, shine your eyes! These substances lurk in our homes and communities,” he warned.
Police have also made arrests. In Bauchi, a suspected dealer was caught with bottles of the chemical, which he sold for N300 each. In Kano, NDLEA operatives recently arrested 49 suspects and seized “suck-and-die” during raids on drug joints.
Health experts say the substance is methylene chloride, an industrial chemical used in paint stripping and cleaning. Dr. Olabiyi Olaniran, a researcher at Harvard University, explained: “Exposure can cause central nervous system depression, severe gastrointestinal irritation, and carbon monoxide poisoning. The fetus and neonates are particularly vulnerable.”
Despite the dangers, the drug’s cheap price and secrecy make it popular among young people. Experts warn that unless urgent action is taken, “suck-and-die” could destroy more lives and undo years of progress in the fight against drug abuse in Nigeria.