Painkillers For A High: Cops Bust Drug Racket

NEW DELHI, 31 AUG 2018: Painkillers are the new source of pain for Delhi cops. The crime branch has busted an inter-state syndicate that was illegally supplying a drug called tramadol to youngsters in Delhi, Kolkata and Northeast states.

Cops seized a consignment of 46,656 capsules near New Delhi railway station and arrested three men. According to police, the medicines had “Spasmol Proxyvon Plus” printed on them and were being transported without valid papers. The seized drug contained substances like dicyclomine, paracetamol, acetaminophen and tramadol.

Additional commissioner Ajit K Singla confirmed the arrests. The alleged kingpin of the gang was identified as Sunil Sharma (42), a resident of Greater Noida. His associates are Rajesh and Nagesh Sharma and both belong to Ghaziabad.

The cops had been probing a drug smuggling racket when they received a tipoff about this module. DCP (crime) Bhisham Singh formed a team, led by ACP Aditya Gautam and inspector Sunil Jain. A trap was laid around the station and at Minto Road.

“The accused, Sunil, arrived in a black Huyndai Elantra and started waiting for someone. An Indica car then pulled over and two suspects alighted. The informer confirmed their identities after which the teams swooped in and arrested the men. The medicines were found stashed in around 320 boxes,” a senior police officer said.

As per the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, a person is allowed to carry a limited amount of tablets and capsules with prescription. As unsupervised consumption of the drug has psychotropic impacts on the user, the transportation or consumption without prescription is banned. In this case, the accused have been charged under sections 22 and 29 of NDPS Act.

The drug is prescribed for relief from severe pain, but is quite popular among youngsters and even middle-aged consumers for getting a high. The drug, which originally costs around Rs 6 or 7 per strip, is sold in the grey market for up to Rs 100 a strip. 

An officer explained that the drug affects the limbic system of the brain and forces neurotransmitters to stimulate pleasure. “Having more than the prescribed quantity leads to a feeling of euphoria,” he said. 

The drug was highly addictive and kicking the habit could be as tough as in the case of heroin or cocaine, a narcotics cop said. 

The drug’s misuse is rampant in professionals, especially those who work in late-night shifts. 

“The capsules are mixed with alcohol, rum or aerated drinks and the user thinks it helps them focus and remain awake. At times, users add stuff like Iodex get additional high,” said an officer. ET Healthworld