Douala: gendarmes release teenagers arrested for allegedly smoking “chicha”
Some teenagers who were arrested by gendarmes on the night of December 31 in a snack bar in the New Bell Ngange neighbourhood, Douala, have regained their freedom.
They were whisked and kept in custody for allegedly indulging in the smoking of the banned waterpipes commonly referred to as “chicha”.
“We stormed the snack bar and caught the children smoking chicha banned by the government for its harmful effect. We locked them up and summoned their parents early January 1 for serious talks and for them to sensitize their children on the dangers associated to the consumption of the drug,” Squadron Commander, Mbang Eto explained.
The proprietor of the snack bar where the teenagers were arrested was also apprehended.
“We arrested the owner of the place and collected all the equipment. We will open investigations on him and other activities going on in that place,” the Squadron Commander added.
The operation which began on Christmas day and continued on new year’s day in the city of Douala, according to Commander Mbang Eto aimed at protecting the population from danger and criminals as several of them were bundled.
