New Drug Challenge: Orange and White Pills Becoming a Growing Concern in Haryana
Non-NDPS Drugs Causing Addiction Surge, Haryana Government Takes Action to Curb Abuse
Chandigarh, Haryana – Amid the rising drug addiction crisis, orange and white-colored pills have become a growing challenge in Haryana. These pills, often used as substitutes for heroin and meth, are gaining popularity among addicts, especially those aged 18 to 40, due to their low cost and easy availability. While doctors prescribe these medications for bone, neuro-related illnesses, and pain relief, their increasing misuse is now posing a significant challenge for anti-drug campaigns.
The drugs, which are not covered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985, are sold without legal repercussions, making them particularly attractive to addicts. With prices half that of heroin, these pills are becoming a preferred choice, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the supply chains of traditional narcotics.
The Haryana Narcotics Control Bureau has written to the National Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) urging that these substances be classified under the NDPS Act to curb their abuse. Despite their legitimate medical use, these drugs are now being abused in alarming numbers, and experts are concerned about the health risks they pose.
The Increasing Trend of Medical Drug Abuse
Dr. Siddharth Arya, Assistant Professor at PGI MMDCC, Rohtak, notes that medical drug abuse has increased significantly in the past two to three years. A growing number of patients are turning to these pills, with some even crushing and injecting them. This poses serious health risks, including brain strokes and paralysis, with overdoses sometimes leading to death.
Government Action to Curb Misuse
In response, the Haryana State Drugs Control Department has heightened surveillance, instructing chemists not to sell these medications without a prescription. Records of the drugs sold must also be maintained. Over the last six months, 35 chemist licenses have been revoked, and 20 shop owners have been charged with criminal offenses. The department has also identified 15 drugs commonly misused for addiction purposes, with 11 already included in the NDPS Act.
Experts emphasize the need for stricter control over these drugs, as the consequences of their abuse continue to escalate. As Haryana tackles this rising drug crisis, the authorities are determined to prevent further harm to public health.