THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Next time your child insists on that flavoured candy sold near the school, beware! ‘Strawberry Quick’ could be out enticing innocents. The candy known after the popular fruit is, in fact, the deadly drug Methamphetamine, health experts warn.
Methamphetamine is a strong central nervous system stimulant abused widely during rave parties. “It is learnt the new ecstasy drug permissible in the US has already become common among school students in Mumbai, Bengaluru and other metros,” said Arun B Nair, assistant professor with the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital.
“Unsuspecting children are told the candy could improve concentration and alertness in studies. Gradually, the students become addicted to it. An overdose of this drug leads to mood swings, behavioural changes and even to cardiac arrest and psychological problems,” he said.
Last month, many schools in Bengaluru issued circulars warning against the drug after some students were taken to hospitals in serious condition. However, in Kerala, school authorities and the police are yet to figure out the prevalence of this dangerous drug.
S Anija, the mother of a Bengaluru school student, said it was high time schools in Kerala also became aware of this drug and issued warning. She said several Bengaluru school students have already become addicts.
Schools in the Kerala capital are slowly waking up to the dangers of such drugs. Rajan K Varughese, principal of the St Thomas Residential School, said he would soon issue a circular to spread awareness among parents, students and teachers on the deadly drug.
“I have heard about this and we will take necessary action. As a preventive measure, we will educate the students,” he said.
“This is a serious issue. I will give necessary instructions to the respective district police chiefs to keep a check on this drug. They will also be directed to inform the schools,”said State Police Chief Loknath Behera.
Arul R B Krishna, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Thiruvananthapuram, said the city police will soon ask schools to issue circulars similar to those in Bengaluru.