‘Ice’ addiction grows at alarming level among youth

Police to propose changes to CNSA to control expensive synthetic opiate

PESHAWAR: As synthetic drugs have fast become popular among the youth during parties, the authorities are looking to propose changes in the Control of Narcotics Substances Act (CNSA) for going after the sellers and users.

A recently introduced drug, locally called ice, meth, crack or crystal meth, is an expensive non-organic chemical substance that is produced in clandestine laboratories in different parts of the country and across the border, said a source.

The source added that unlike the cultivation of opium, coca leaf and other organic substances, the production of synthetic drugs is not limited to certain geographic locations as it can be manufactured anywhere.

“The effect of the synthetic drugs is quite different from heroin, hashish, liquor and cocaine. The users can remain awake and fresh for more than 24 hours without being exhausted. However, it is several times more expensive than the organic drugs and leavers dangerous effects on the human body,” said a user, who only introduced himself as Ali.

According to the addict, the standard quality ice is available for Rs5,000 to Rs10,000 per gram while the low quality is sold from Rs1,000 to Rs2,000 per gram.

He added that most of the party girls and dancers consume ice to entertain the audience in drawing rooms of the elite and at hujras and hotels without getting tired.

“The majority of the audience and entertainers in parties consume ice to stay awake for long. This is probably the ice factor that these parties have recorded an increase over the last few years,” added Ali.

The police and other agencies have been in a fix about how to charge the sellers and users of ice as there was no relevant law. Those held with ice were normally charged for carrying hashish, which has no significant punishment.

“We are proposing to the government changes in the Control of Narcotics Substances Act to go after the sellers and users of the synthetic drugs as it can cause seriously dangerous effects on human health,” Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Operations Sajjad Khan told The News.

He added that the police have planned a crackdown on all the drug dealers who are harming the youth.

“The significant increase in synthetic drugs production and trafficking in the region over the last several years shows that Pakistan is both a transit and destination country,” said Irshadullah Afridi, a senior officer of the Excise and Taxation department who carried out research on consumption and production of synthetic drugs in Pakistan.

The drug is mostly called theek in South Africa, yaba in Thailand and Yaba and Teena in England. Synthetic drugs are taken orally or through injection or inhalation by glass pipes or in sheesha houses.

“One dose of meth or ice may trigger more than 1,200 units of dopamine that is 350 percent more intense than cocaine and produces six times more energy that what the body can do at its own,” stated Irshadullah Afridi while talking to The News.

He added that the laboratories of the synthetic drugs can operate in homes, warehouses, rooftops and other buildings. “It can even be produced in kitchens, washrooms, student hostels and anywhere. The manufacturing of synthetic drugs in Pakistan is to a large extent unknown due to incomplete statistics,” the official added.

According to the official, the neighbouring countries and regions have experienced a significant drug manufacture and trafficking over the past 10 years.

“There are now significant consumption and production bases in China, Iran and India as well as Afghanistan’s Badakhshan, Nuristan, Nimroz, Helmand, Kandahar, Paktia, Paktika, and Nangrahar provinces,” he added.

The research mentioned that during the World War-II, both Amphetamine & Methamphetamine were widely given to soldiers to improve their performance and reduce fatigue. The Japanese pilots used it for suicide mission as this drug kept their mind focused and confident.

“Pakistan borders China, Iran and India, which are the biggest producers of ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, crystalline methamphetamine and ketamine. China extracts ephedrine from a herb called Ephedra found in the semi-desert region of Xingjian Province. The herb is also found in the northeastern hills of Balochistan at the height of 500 to 600 feet. India produces synthetic ephedrine from molasses - a by-product of sugar factories,” added the official.