The situation in Tamil Nadu is becoming increasingly concerning as a significant number of youths are succumbing to addiction through easily accessible drugs. This disturbing trend has been particularly evident in Namakkal district, where a large number of youths and workers are regularly indulging in the consumption of painkillers, despite strict regulations governing their use. The scale of these seizures is noteworthy, exemplified by two incidents: one in Veppadai, Namakkal district, where 10,000 drug pills were confiscated, and another in Ammapettai, Erode district, involving students found in possession of 95 drug pills. This alarming scenario reflects a state of disorder, providing a free hand to drug peddlers and resulting in a loss of law and order in the region.
The Veppadai Division police received a tip about the presence of drug pills and single-use needles in graveyards near Veppadai, Namakkal district. Upon investigation, it was discovered that some youths gathered at night, dissolving pills obtained online in water, and injecting them to get drugged.
Upon informing the District Superintendent of Police, Veppadai police established 10 special teams for an extensive investigation. The probe revealed that construction workers in Pallipalayam and Veppadai were living addicted lives by injecting pain reliever pills into their veins. From further investigation it came to light that they had purchased these pain relief pills via online transactions. Additionally, when these pills are dissolved in water and injected into the body, it leads to immediate intoxication. They marketed each tablet for a price ranging from 200 to 300 rupees within their group and neighboring college students.
The arrested individuals, including Giri Haran, Sujith, Gauri Shankar, Deepan, Nandakumar, Vignesh, Gautham Kumar, Ilias Ulla, Yuvraj, and others, admitted to injecting painkillers for addiction.
Subsequently, around 10,000 pain reliever pills, valued at approximately 30 lakhs, were seized. The 15 arrested individuals were produced before Kumarapalayam Criminal Court Judge Malathi and imprisoned. The revelation of drug-addicted construction laborers using pain reliever pills as injections has alarmed local drug shops and hospital staff.
#Breaking | நாமக்கலில் ஒன்றல்ல, இரண்டல்ல 10,000 போதை மாத்திரைகள் பறிமுதல்.
மத்தியரசு களம் இறங்கி
அண்ணாமலையார் பேசிஇப்ப கண்துடைப்புக்கு ஒரே நாள்ல 10,000 பிடிக்க முடியும்னா திமுக ஆட்சிக்கு வந்து மிக்ஸர் திண்ண நாட்களில் எவ்ளோ இளைஞர்கள் வாழ்க்கை நாசமாகிருக்கும்?🤧 @arivalayam pic.twitter.com/CgokS2SeHY
— Sanghi Prince🚩 (Modi's Family) (@SanghiPrince) March 6, 2024
In a separate incident, four college students were arrested on 5 March 2024 near Ammapet in Erode district for possession of 95 drug pills. During a routine vehicle inspection, the police intercepted the students, revealing their possession of the pills. The students, identified as Sridhar, Palaniswami, Tamizharasan, and Naveen, admitted to purchasing the drugs from unidentified persons.
The police confiscated the drugs and two two-wheelers, subsequently arresting all four and placing them in judicial custody. These incidents highlight the growing concern of drug abuse among the youth in the region, prompting law enforcement to take stringent actions against offenders.
The inappropriate use of painkiller tablets as drugs presents substantial health dangers and possible adverse effects. Pain relievers, particularly opioids such as tapentadol, are intended for medical purposes. When employed recreationally or without proper medical supervision, substance misuse can lead to addiction, dependency, mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, and impairment of cognitive function. Additionally, the abuse of painkiller tablets heightens the risk of overdose and serves as a gateway to more potent substances, potentially resulting in fatal outcomes.
As per NCRB the number of deaths due to drug overdose in Tamil Nadu, categorized by age groups for the years 2017, 2018, and 2019.
- In 2017, Tamil Nadu reported a total of 48 deaths, with no fatalities in the age groups below 14 and 14-18, while the highest number 19 occurred in the 30-45 age group. In 2018, the total deaths decreased to 46, with the majority in the 30-45 and 45-60 age groups with 23 and 17 respectively. In 2019, the total deaths increased to 108, with a significant rise in the 30-45 age group with 44 fatality. These statistics underscore the concerning trend of drug overdose-related fatalities in Tamil Nadu
- The figures for suicides attributed to drug abuse or alcoholic addiction in Tamil Nadu during the years 2018, 2019, and 2020 were 1033, 1042, and 1377, respectively, based on state/UT-wise data.
- In May 2023, an 18-year-old named Sanjay passed away in Pulianthope due to a drug overdose involving painkiller tablets. Authorities declared the overdose occurred when the tablets were dissolved in water and injected into his bloodstream using syringes and painkiller tablets.
- On August 2023 Two individuals were arrested in Saidapet for suspected possession of ganja and painkiller tablets. The Police intercepted the suspects on a two-wheeler near Saidapet Railway Station, leading to the discovery of 1.2 kg of ganja, 300 tapentadol tablets.
- On December 2023 Another 20-year-old youth, known as Raja alias David, passed away due to a drug overdose at his residence in Basin Bridge. This incident recorded by the police as occurrence of fatal drug overdose.
In 2015, Tamil Nadu ranked at the top with 205 deaths, marking the highest number of fatalities due to drug overdose, as reported by the National Crime Records Bureau. The resurgence of such incidents is alarming, indicating a concerning trend reminiscent of the state’s previous status in 2014.
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