New Delhi: In an intelligence-based operation, the Assam Rifles have seized 90,000 Yaba narcotics tablets, also known as the crazy pill, in Tamenglong district of Manipur.
The value of the seizure is about Rs 13.5 crore and it is the largest such seizure in the area, sources in the security establishment said.
According to the sources, based on an intelligence input generated by the security forces, they tracked down a courier who was transporting the banned drug, which is a combination of methamphetamine (a powerful and addictive stimulant) and caffeine.
Sources said that when challenged, the man dropped the bag of drugs and ran into a crowd and managed to escape.
However, the bag yielded 90,000 tablets of yaba, which is a popular party drug across the world.
Sources said industry scale production of yaba tablets goes on in Myanmar and Manipur is the preferred route for the drug to be smuggled in, not only for the demand in Indian cities but also for Bangladesh and south-east Asian countries.
Explaining the business dynamics involved, a source said that the yaba tablet, popular in rave parties, can cost as much as Rs 5,000 for one in Bangalore.
According to the US National Drug Intelligence Center, the tablets are sometimes flavoured like candy (grape, orange or vanilla) and are consumed orally.
Another common method of consumption is called chasing the dragon, in which users place the yaba tablet on aluminium foil and heat it from below.
As the tablet melts, vapours rise and are inhaled, the US agency says, adding that the drug may also be administered by crushing the tablets into powder, which is then snorted or mixed with a solvent and injected.
Sources said the Assam Rifles have been trying to act against the menace as they are empowered to do so under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
(Edited by Nida Fatima Siddiqui)
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