NCB’s narco hunt yields more party drugs, ganja

Chennai

While the agency’s seizure of ganja went up from 1,780 kg last year to 2,042 kg this year, a total of 9.5 kg of methamphetamine besides 68,900 tramadol tablets were seized in the last 12 months, indicating that both are getting popular in party circles in Chennai. The agency also seized 11.6 kg of opium and 90 LSD blots, another popular party intake among youngsters in the party circuit.

“This year, across the world, narcotics agencies had taken up the theme ‘Better knowledge for better care’. Awareness about drug abuse is very much essential for present-day living,” said A Bruno, zonal director, NCB, Chennai.

According to him, drug peddlers mostly target teenagers and youth. They may target a student through peer pressure from abusers initially at a no-cost basis. Once the victim develops an addiction, the illicit trade yields profit to the peddler. Subsequently, the drug abuser starts to steal money from home, then becomes either a sub peddler or commits crime for finding money for drug abuse. As time passes, one may need larger doses of the drug to get high. At this stage, that person may need help from a doctor, family, friends, support groups or an organised treatment programme to overcome addiction and stay drug-free.

If someone is found abusing a drug, then there are three steps a support person can take, notes the NCB official. First one is to talk to a counsellor. The next step is to taking to de-addiction centre to detoxify his body and support in recovery. The last one is to inform the law enforcement agency about the source of drugs.

Bruno also notes that talking to children about the risk of drug abuse can help prevent them from falling into the trap of the narcotics world. He also advises strengthening the bond with children. “Our motto should be ‘say yes to life and say no to drugs’,” he added.

10 SIGNS OF ADDICTION

• Unusual need for money;resorting to stealing
• Less socialisation;irresponsible behaviour
• Shabby appearance
• Risky behaviour
• Lack of motivation
• Often mood swings
• Changes in speech; rapid
• or slurred
• Drowsiness, coughing and diarrhoea complaints
• Changes in appetite
• Tremors or excessive sweating