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Beyond Ganja: City sees rise in diverse drug market
2 Feb
Summary
- Heroin, MDMA, and ganja are primary seized narcotics.
- Synthetic drugs like 'China white heroin' are a growing concern.
- Migrant laborers are frequent users and peddlers of heroin.
Enforcement agencies in the city and its suburbs are increasingly concerned about the growing market for diverse synthetic drugs beyond the commonly seized ganja and MDMA. Recent operations have led to the arrest of individuals from Assam with suspected heroin, also known as 'China white,' alongside MDMA and ganja. Last year, significant quantities of heroin were seized by both Excise and police departments within the Ernakulam district alone.
Heroin appears to have a notable user base among the migrant population, with many apprehended peddlers also being migrant laborers. Beyond heroin, authorities are consistently confiscating other substances such as charas, methamphetamine, LSD, and various psychotropic tablets. Last year's seizures included substantial amounts of hashish, LSD, and methamphetamine, underscoring the evolving drug landscape.
Officials note a willingness among users to experiment with different drugs, though ganja and MDMA remain the most preferred. Substances like LSD are often found in small, easily concealable quantities and are typically associated with party use. The overall trend indicates a diversifying drug market requiring continued vigilance from law enforcement.
