As new year celebrations are round the corner, police, chemists step up vigil to prevent sales of sedatives to people with no or suspicious prescriptions since these can be used as date rape drugs on unsuspecting teens
As new year celebrations are round the corner, police, chemists step up vigil to prevent sales of sedatives to people with no or suspicious prescriptions since these can be used as date rape drugs on unsuspecting teens
Date rape drugs are a harsh reality of our times, and with New Year celebrations round the corner, vigil has been stepped up across the city to prevent the sale of sedatives and other drugs whenever the possibility of their misuse is suspected.
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In a letter to all its members, the Chemists' Association of Pune District (CAPD) has asked all chemist shop owners to be wary of those looking for sedatives or related drugs, especially if these are sought without a prescription.
"Though we never sell sedatives without a prescription, it was brought to our notice that since New Year is round the corner, we should keep a special check to ensure that these drugs aren't sold OTC," said Mahendra Pitaliya, coordinator of CAPD. "The reason is that these drugs can be misused as date rape drugs, and that's why we have informed all our members to issue these drugs only if there is a doctor's prescription, and that too after proper verification."
Police on toes
The police are also geared up to prevent misuse of such drugs. The narcotics cell of the city police has not only stepped up vigil at pubs and hotels, but also started conducting surprise raids on chemist shops.
"Firstly, we have stepped up our patrolling. During the day we tour areas that are famous as pockets for such peddling activity, and at night we have started touring nightclubs, pubs and hotels where parties happen to check on the abuse of drugs," said Police Inspector S N Deore of the Narcotics Cell. "Secondly, we have started conducting raids, where we send people in plainclothes to ask for sedatives, either without prescription or with a dubious handwritten prescription, to see if chemists are giving it out."
Deore added that his team had conducted raids in Bibvewadi, Kondhwa and Lulla Nagar so far, and found that chemists there were not issuing sedatives without prescription.
"We haven't found any cases of date rape drugs being used in Pune so far, but it can happen, and youngsters need to especially take care," said Deore. "Our advice to them is to party only with people they know well, follow rules and use their common sense."
Doctor's orders
Doctors dealing with adolescents are warning them not to get carried away at parties and risk their security.
"It is worrying to know that such drugs are becoming common-use, and that these are used in crimes against adolescents. Our advice to youngsters is to watch their drinks while they party, not to leave your glass unattended, and not to accept a drink from strangers," said Dr Sharad Agharkhedkar, president of the Indian Medical Association, Pune. "Also, they should party with a familiar crowd to ensure safety."
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