E-cigarette to trap child into drugs: Accused Gets 5 Years Jail

In a disturbing case in Bahrain, a 15-year-old boy has fallen victim to drug addiction after being coerced into using an e-cigarette laced with narcotics. The perpetrator, a 30-year-old suspect, has now been sentenced to five years in prison for his role in this harrowing incident.

The boy's mother first noticed his erratic behavior and incoherent speech, prompting her to take him to Salmaniya Hospital, where it was discovered that he had consumed narcotics. The mother subsequently filed a complaint against the 30-year-old suspect, alleging that he had pressured her son into drug use.

The case was brought before the High Criminal Court, and after a thorough investigation, the defendant was found guilty and sentenced to five years in prison. The court ruled that the 30-year-old suspect had provided and delivered "manufactured hashish" to the minor, encouraged and facilitated his drug use without compensation, and endangered the child through acts related to immorality and drugs.

The mother's testimony played a crucial role in the case. She claimed that she witnessed her son in a confused state and suspected drug use, leading her to take him to the hospital. The boy then alleged that he had been in a car with the defendant and three other individuals, who had forced him to use an e-cigarette containing "CBD" and given him "Larika," hashish, and "shabu."

The mother's search of her son's phone without his knowledge revealed a video showing the defendant putting a drug into the e-cigarette, which the boy had filmed. She also found a conversation between the defendant and her son on Snapchat, where the suspect had asked if the boy wanted to smoke hashish.

The 15-year-old boy admitted in investigations that he began using drugs due to the defendant's influence. In early 2024, the boy encountered the defendant, who introduced himself and offered him his e-cigarette. Upon trying it, the boy realized it contained a narcotic substance, and from that point, his relationship with the defendant grew closer, leading to regular drug use.

A urine sample from the boy tested positive for methamphetamine, manufactured hashish, and pregabalin. The defendant's criminal record also revealed a previous conviction for drug use.