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The Ogun State Government has issued a strong warning to young people to avoid the rising and dangerous drug practice known as bluetoothing.
Dr Kehinde Fatungase, Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Agency for the Control of AIDS, condemned the trend in a statement released in Abeokuta on Thursday. He explained that bluetoothing involves injecting oneself with the blood of a person who has just taken hard drugs, with the mistaken belief that the “high” can be transferred.
Fatungase described the act as extremely deadly, stressing that it exposes young people to severe health risks, including HIV, Hepatitis B and C, dangerous blood infections, life-threatening reactions, and overdose.
He said, “In Ogun State, we are committed to protecting our youths. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug use, help is available at our Key Population One Stop Shop (KPOSS) facility at 4 Kemta Idi Aba, Abeokuta, for treatment and counselling services. We encourage our youths to choose life, choose health, choose a future, say no to bluetoothing and encourage friends to stay safe. Together, we can prevent HIV and safeguard the next generation.”
The practice, also known internationally as “flashblood,” has been seen in countries such as South Africa, Tanzania, and Fiji, where it has been linked to spikes in HIV and other infections.
In response to rising concerns, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, along with community organisations and the Pyrates Confraternity, recently conducted more than 125 sensitisation campaigns across schools, religious institutions, and communities, reaching over 30,000 people.
Additionally, the Ogun State Ministry of Sports Development has partnered with youth-focused NGOs like the Drug Free Project, using sports as a tool for awareness, prevention, and rehabilitation.
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