HYDERABAD: The network of drug abusers, peddlers and suppliers spread their tentacles possibly after a massive crackdown on ganja - the gateway drug in the last couple or more years. “Back in 2013 when I first came here,’’ said a 20-odd year old professional, ‘’it was mostly weed that we did. And once police started crackdown on the Dhoolpet market, private peddlers emerged with a trusted customer base and started selling harder drugs. They don’t care about expansion, it is a lifestyle they are habituated to and the people who are now caught should be those who were foolish in wanting to earn more,” he added.
“It is not just in parties when one gets connected to potential buyers, most of the peddlers are noticed at pan shops, colleges and at bridges which are near to educational institutions and universities,” revealed the youth, who has been into drugs for some years now.
Interestingly, not all LSD units are sold with equal concentration levels. Each unit has its stipulated concentrations ranging from 500-1500 ug and it is mostly available in the form of a paper which looks like an aluminum foil.“Most of the city drug users are immature and careless, they do not know the right dosages on how a particular drug is to be consumed. Many people fail to realise that concentration levels of LSD or MDMA is measured in ug (micrograms), and a little variation can even take your life,” said an NRI on condition of anonymity.
While it appeared from reports that the psychotropic drugs like LSD or MDMA is just a call away, in reality, it is not so, especially when one is a first time user. “Getting contact of the peddler is the toughest part and most of the times the contact can be procured through a closed group of friends circle who consume some form of drugs,” said Akhil (name changed). Dealings are done mostly through mobile phones or instant messaging apps, and once the order is placed, delivery and time is dependent on mutual interest, he further added.
JNTU, OU told to set up anti-drug committees in colleges
Hyderabad: Telangana State Council for Higher Education has directed Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University and Osmania University to set up anti-drug committees in all their affiliate colleges. The decision was taken at a meeting convened by the TSCHE chairman Prof Pappi Reddy here on Friday. Prof A Venugopal Reddy, vice-chancellor JNTU-H and S Ramachandram, vice-chancellor of Osmania University also participated in it.
Touted to be on the lines of anti-ragging committees, it will be binding on all colleges to set up these committees. “We have asked the universities to intimate their affiliated colleges to start awareness drives for students and their parents with regard to the ills affects of drug abuse. All colleges will also have to constitute committees that will create awareness on the issue,” the TSCHE chairman said. Just days after the drug racket was busted and was found to have penetrated into educational institutions, the education minister on Thursday prohibited the use of cellphones in classrooms.