Vice Essentials Season 1 Episode 23 Sisa: Cocaine of the Poor

Sisa: Cocaine of the Poor is the 23rd episode of the first season of Vice Essentials, a documentary series produced by Vice Media that explores various controversial and often overlooked topics around the world.

This particular episode delves into the widespread use of sisa, a cheap and highly addictive form of cocaine that has become increasingly prevalent in the slums of Lima, Peru. Sisa is made by combining residue from coca plants with chemicals such as kerosene and battery acid, creating a potent and dangerous stimulant that is known for its devastating effects on users.

Throughout the episode, Vice journalist Gianna Toboni investigates the impact of sisa on the people of Lima, speaking to drug users, dealers, and healthcare professionals in an effort to understand why this drug has become so popular in the region. She visits local markets where sisa is sold openly, and also interviews those involved in the drug trade, from small-time sellers to large-scale traffickers.

Toboni's investigation reveals the dire consequences of sisa addiction, both for individuals and their families. Many users are forced to drop out of school or quit their jobs as the drug takes hold, while others turn to crime to fund their habit. The episode also explores the efforts of local NGOs and medical professionals to combat the spread of sisa, including detox programs and education initiatives aimed at raising awareness of the drug's dangers.

Throughout the episode, the audience is given a window into the lives of individuals affected by sisa addiction, highlighting the human cost of a drug that has been largely ignored by the international community. While Sisa: Cocaine of the Poor may be a difficult watch, it is a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing the root causes of drug addiction, both at a local and global level.