Somali police have intercepted a major shipment of imported prescription opioids at Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport, heightening concerns about rising youth addiction in urban areas. The seized drugs included Tramadol, Pethidine, Pregabalin, and Codeine. Authorities have arrested the importers for interrogation. Drug abuse has long been a challenge in Somalia, with the 1990s marked by widespread misuse of tranquilizers like Rohypnol and Valium, leading to what became known as the “zombie generation.” Today, the growing prevalence of heroin‑based painkillers mirrors that crisis, with soldiers, police officers, and youth among the most affected. Experts link the addiction surge to conflict trauma, unemployment, lack of recreational outlets, and the collapse of Somalia’s cultural scene. Mogadishu’s nightlife is virtually non‑existent, cinemas remain closed due to conservative bans, and public spaces for art, music, and leisure are scarce. Some suggest that recent anti‑khat campaigns may be pushing youth toward more dangerous drugs. Social media is awash with accounts of opioid‑linked deaths, sexual assaults, and criminal behavior. Tackling the crisis will require restricting drug imports, enforcing strict anti‑trafficking laws, raising public awareness, and revitalizing youth engagement through arts, culture, and sports. Without urgent intervention, Somalia risks facing another generation lost to addiction.