Cheap Tramadol tablets are emerging as a new source of intoxication among daily-wage workers, youths and teenagers. Sold at just Rs 100 for eight tablets, the drug is quietly making its way into rural and semi-urban areas. Nagpur Rural Police on Wednesday uncovered one such racket in Kanhan. The police arrested Shorab Jabbar Ansari (40) and seized whopping 15,814 Tramadol tablets packed in 66 boxes. The total value of the seizure is Rs 3.63 lakh. Police also recovered two mobile phones, cash and a four-wheeler from the accused. During the investigation, police found that the tablets were brought from Uttar Pradesh. The accused was selling them locally at throwaway prices. Investigators said he charged Rs 100 for eight tablets. As a result, the drug is widely popular among youths and workers.

 

The tablets are consumed with tea for a ‘kick’. Police officials said Tramadol is a prescription painkiller that should only be taken under medical supervision. However, it is increasingly being misused for intoxication. Because it is much cheaper than other narcotic substances, it has become popular among some workers and young people too. Additional Superintendent of Police Anil Mhaske said the growing misuse of such tablets is a matter of concern. “These tablets are being abused as a cheap intoxicant. Their low price makes them easily accessible to youths and workers. We are taking strict action against everyone involved in this illegal trade,” he said. He said the investigation has now extended to Uttar Pradesh. “We have got important leads about the source of the tablets. Our teams are tracing the supplier and others linked to the network.

 

We will ensure strict action against everyone involved,” Mhaske added. The Anti-Narcotics Cell carried out the raid after receiving specific information that the accused was selling Tramadol tablets from his house in Kanhan. Investigators suspect the accused was not acting alone. They are now trying to establish whether he was part of a larger interstate network involved in the illegal supply of prescription drugs. A case has been registered at Kanhan Police Station under Sections 8(c) and 22(c) of the NDPS Act. Further investigation is underway. Police have appealed to citizens to stay away from such intoxicants and inform the local police station about anyone involved in the illegal sale of narcotic tablets.