Hyderabad: Few means to curb Alprazolam menace

Hyderabad: Officials say that there is no permanent solution to curb the Alprazolam menance among toddy consumers.

S.Y. Qureshi, deputy commissioner of excise, said that the gangs are procuring the raw-materials from Maharashtra and Karnataka to manufacture Alprazolam in the state. “We cannot focus on suppliers of raw materials as many of them like ammonium sulphates, hydrochloric acid, carbon compounds, etc do not figure in the banned list,” he said.

 

Excise officials said that since the ingredients are not in the banned list they should focus on the racket. “We have identified the kingpin of the racket —Srisailam — and a manhunt is on to nab him,” they said.

Various agencies have seized nearly 3,000 kg of alprazolam in the city last year. The recent raids by the special task force of the excise department have identified a strong network among the inter-state gangs, dealing with Alprazolam.

A chemist from city said that preparation of Alprazolam consists of six stages, spread over six months.

“By adding more chemicals to Alprazolam, it will be turned to diazepam. Without the help of chemists and chemical engineers, it is difficult to manufacture these drugs.

Doctors suggest alprazolam in .25 mg for sleeping disorder. If anyone takes more quantity, it leads to side effects. Toddy adulterators mix Alprazolam in larger quantities to get the maximum effect. It causes drowsiness, tiredness, dizziness, insomnia, memory issues, diarrhoea, vomiting, blurred vision, and swelling of hands and feet,” he said.