Why in news
On April 6, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) seized 30.4 kg of methamphetamine tablets, worth ₹24.32 crore, in Silchar, Assam.
The drugs, known as ‘Yaba’ tablets, were seized in two separate operations.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the operation, calling it part of the government's effort to fight drug cartels.
Methamphetamine
Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as meth, is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system.
It takes the form of a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol.
It was developed early in the 20th century from its parent drug, amphetamine, and was used originally in nasal decongestants and bronchial inhalers.
Like amphetamine, methamphetamine causes increased activity and talkativeness, decreased appetite, and a pleasurable sense of well-being or euphoria.
However, methamphetamine differs from amphetamine in that, at comparable doses, much greater amounts of the drug get into the brain, making it a more potent stimulant.
The use of methamphetamine in higher doses can induce psychosis, bleeding in the brain, skeletal muscle breakdown, and seizures.
Moreover, it can cause violent behavior, mood swings, and psychosis such as paranoia, delirium, auditory and visual hallucination, and delusions when used chronically.
It also has longer-lasting and more harmful effects on the central nervous system.
Methamphetamine is potent and easy to produce. These characteristics make it a drug with high potential for widespread misuse.
Chronic long-term methamphetamine use can be highly addictive, and if it is discontinued abruptly, it might lead to withdrawal symptoms that can be persistent for months after use.
COMMENTS