Drug addicts vandalizing transformers for hallucinatory effects

Vandalism of electricity transformers has taken a new turn in Mombasa with drug addicts now targeting the machines for chemicals that provide hallucinatory effects.

The Kenya Power Company says vandals are increasingly going for magnesium oxide, a powdery substance contained in the transformer fuses which when inhaled, the chemical gives the user effects of drunkenness.

In a statement to newsrooms, Kenya Power noted that that this is a break from the tradition where vandals have been destroying transformers to steal copper windings, fuses and the insulating oil that is stable at high temperatures.

“We have recorded 20 incidents of transformer fuses vandalism in some parts of Mvita, Mishomoroni, Bombolulu, Changamwe and Nyali areas within Mombasa County,” said Hezekiah Mwalwala, Kenya Power’s Regional Manager for Coast.

“At times, this magnesium oxide is mixed with cocaine or tobacco to derive hallucinatory effects,” added Mwalwala

Kenya Power now says that it has taken measures to curb this vice that include increased surveillance on vulnerable transformers and enhanced coordination with community policing authorities within the affected localities.

The Company is also placing transformers above high voltage lines beyond reach by the vandals.

In the last four months, a total of 174 people have been arrested for electricity theft and vandalism and charged in various courts across the country, boosting the fight against vandalism.

“Vandalism of electricity distribution equipment is among the leading causes of power outages, undermining the quality of power supply to customers in addition to reduced productivity by industries.”