Delhi’s youth go Meow-Meow

put the drug within the ambit of National Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, which provides for much more stringent provisions forbidding its supply, than compared to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, under which it fell formerly.

Those with access to the drug said that it had many characteristics common to cocaine and other methamphetamine based party drugs, generally known as “uppers”. “I became very active after taking it,” said one user, who claimed that he felt under the influence for “at least a week”.

Other users said that the drug made one abnormally alert. “It is impossible to sleep after taking it. Your eyes pop out,” said one of them. Loss of appetite is also a common side-effect after taking Meow-Meow, said several users.

Sources said that the drug was being procured at relatively cheaper prices from Mumbai and sold in Delhi at rates ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000. “Kids studying in high school are selling it for pocket money. There is no dearth of peddlers,” said one user. Users added that they found it very addictive. “Cheaper prices mean those are looking for kicks similar to cocaine or other party drugs are able to use it more frequently,” said another user. They added that violent behaviour was common among those who were using Meow-Meow.

It is learnt that it has caught on in the hip bars of Delhi’s party paradise Hauz Khas Village too, although this could not be independently verified.