Ephedrine is now the new substitute for MD. Experts have noted a spike in the sale of ephedrine, because this drug with slight modifications in chemical laboratories can be converted into MD or methamphetamine, which is highly popular among youngsters.
Ephedrine is a derivative of pseudoephedrine, and used in making medicines for cold, cough and sinus. The production of the drug has been discontinued owing to a crackdown by law authories, as it can also be used to make Crystal Meth. Methamphetamine is a stimulant and is known by several street names such as crystal meth, ice and dope.
“After the ban on MD, ephedrine is getting popular, especially among young people who are opting for this. Ephedrine is used to treat cold, cough and sinus, but it is misused by many youngsters. People handling these drugs such as doctors, chemists, manufacturers should be punished and strict action imposed on them, if the drug falls into the wrong hands,” said Dr Sagar Mundada, psychiatrist at JJ Hospital.
Recently, ephedrine, which is a controlled substance, hit the headlines, following the unravelling of a drug racket in Thane, allegedly involving a listed company and a Bollywood actor.
Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) DCP Jayant Naiknavare said, “We are in touch with the FDA, and as soon as we receive any information, we take cognisance and book people under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act.”
