Big spike in use of party drugs, shows NCB data

NEWDELHI: The popularity of synthetic or party drugs has increased manifold over the past five years in India but the use of conventional substances such as cocaine, heroin, and hashish has remained static or decreased, government data shows.

In terms of volume, marijuana or ganja remains the most common drug seized at more than 2 lakh kg, according to the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), which collected the data on drugs seized across India in 2016 by various law-enforcement agencies.

The confiscation of party drugs – amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) such as MDMA or Molly — increased from 40kg in 2012 to 1,687kg last year.

Drug enforcement agencies believe Molly is brought to the country from illegal labs and factories in Myanmar.

“There is an increase in abuse of drugs such as MDMA and Meow Meow. Our officials busted several laboratories,” said RR Singh, the NCB deputy director general (operations).

Most cases of ATS seizures were in Gujarat, followed by Andhra Pradesh. Molly tablet promise to give a “happy high” and increase emotionally charged memories for around 12 hours.

In 2012, the seizure of ephedrine across India was 4,393kg and this increased more than five times to 21,272kg last year.

Ephedrine, a prescription stimulant used in cough syrups, is often abused for its performance-enhancing effects and to make Ecstasy pills. Ecstasy, which can trigger hallucination and hysteria, is believed to be the most common in party circles.

The abuse of methaqualone, which sells as Mandrax, has registered a meteoric rise as well. The highest seizure was in Maharashtra, followed by Madhya Pradesh.

Initially used to treat sleep disorders and malaria, methaqualone is abused as a hypnotic and recreational drug.