Drug Abuse Continues to be Common on Campus
BY PASSANT EL GAYAR
![Hash remains the most popular drug on campus because of its ease of purchase [Archives]](http://www.auccaravan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/DSC_0008-e1394447675420.jpg)
“We caught them on camera and when we arrived at the scene they claimed that they were taking Aspirin; however, after escorting them to the office, it turned out that they were taking Opium and one of them had five joints,” he said.
Abo Taleb also revealed to The Caravan that three workers had operated a theft and drug smuggling ring on campus. The workers would steal student possessions, specifically from P016 in HUSS, sell them off-campus and use the money to buy drugs, which would then be offered to students.
“It took us a lot of time until we were able to catch these workers and suspend them,” said Abdel Hamid, a security officer who asked not to be identified by his full name for safety reasons.
Two students who are regular drug users were interviewed; one of them – a Mechanical Engineering junior – agreed that The Caravan would refer to him as the “The High Cloud”, preferring to keep his identity anonymous.
The High Cloud said that he buys drugs from several dealers. He frequently goes to a compound next to AUC New Cairo campus called Al Masraweya, where he meets the porter, Saeed Harakat who provides him with what he needs.
The High Cloud added that he sometimes calls a delivery man called Tito for a drug delivery to campus but that is if Saeed Harakat is out of stock.
The High Cloud also said that he buys drugs from a security member on campus, whom he preferred not to mention by name.
There are several hotspots for drug users on campus. The High Cloud told The Caravan that drug users usually gather in the garden next to Gate One behind the Library and in the dorms to smoke and get high.
According to other drug users who also asked to remain anonymous, they use drugs because of peer pressure, to relieve themselves of stress, to experiment and fill in their long gap hours.
They added that its facilitated availability on campus made it easier to pursue their habit.
Other students said that after they use drugs they are overwhelmed with feelings of calmness and happiness.
“It is an amazing feeling, I bet you will agree with me if you try it,” said one student jokingly.
A few non-drug using students don’t seem to mind the fact that their peers are getting high on campus.
“PVA and HUSS are the most common places where people smoke up and I don’t get bothered when I see that because it is their choice,” said Engy Mahmoud, a Sociology junior.
In a Caravan article published on November 11, 2012 covering drug use on campus, interviewees who are so- called stoners said that hash is the most popular drug on campus compared to other illegal substances.
Most students who consume or deal drugs on campus usually choose hash as their primary drug.
According to the Student Conduct Policy, “It is the policy of AUC to prohibit the manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of any controlled substance [drug] or alcohol by students and employees on the AUC campus or during student activities. Disciplinary action for violations of this policy may range from participation in rehabilitation programs to dismissal.”
This is in accordance with the Egyptian Drug Law, Article 34C that “imposes severe penalties for anyone convicted of possessing, buying, selling, handing over, transmitting, presenting for consumption or trading drugs on education premises.”
The Internal Patrol Unit in the Security Office handles incidents of drug use and any illegal activity on campus.
After the security office receives a case, a hearing conducted by the Student Disciplinary Committee is scheduled for the student(s) involved.
The hearing is composed of two members from the Student Court, four faculty members and a representative from the Student Conduct Office.
Repeated misconducts could result in the student’s suspension or dismissal from the university.
Abu Taleb added that the Security Office established a university line that can be reached by members of the community willing to report drug abuse on campus.
