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Thursday, August 14, 2025
TopicDrug Abuse

Topic: Drug Abuse

Punjab’s new drug problem is pregabalin. Cheap, unchecked, gives a ‘gentle high’

Pregabalin demand surged during the pandemic when the production and sale of opiates, heroin were affected by the lockdowns. It's popular with school, college-going students.

‘Udta Tripura’ — HIV cases are soaring in hill state, with youth under 30 worst hit

In Part 1 of series on India's emerging HIV-AIDS hotspots & AIDS control programme, ThePrint looks at Tripura, which saw highest rise in rate of annual new HIV cases between 2010 & 2023.

Synthetic drug ‘50 times more potent than heroin’ — why fentanyl figured in Biden-Xi meet

This is the edited transcript of ThePrint CutTheClutter Ep 1349, published on 18 November 2023, on role of fentanyl in US opioid crisis & why it figured in Biden-Xi meeting.

Mann’s I-Day speech brings drug abuse back in focus: CM seeks 1 yr to end menace, Oppn attacks ‘lies’

CM Bhagwant Mann promises Punjab will be drug-free by next Independence Day. Oppn says AAP's poll promise was to eradicate drug abuse within 3-4 months of coming to power.

Arrest of Mansa man who ‘assaulted chemist for selling banned drugs’ sparks political war in Punjab

Parvinder Singh was arrested after he allegedly put a garland of shoes around a chemist's neck and paraded him, on finding out that a peddler had procured 'banned capsules' from his shop.

Hidden ‘labs’, plant-based ephedrine, Afghanistan link — why meth is rich junkie’s new heroin

Last week, cops busted a 'meth lab' in Greater Noida, where 9 foreigners had allegedly been cooking the party drug. Also known as 'ice', meth is steadily making inroads into Indian market.

US imposes sanctions on drug lord El Chapo’s son over drug trafficking

The sanctions allege Joaquin Guzman Lopez, one of the four sons to carry on their father's drug empire after his arrest, oversees 'super labs' to traffic drugs into the US.

Smack & ‘solution’ are consuming Delhi’s homeless kids. For them it’s a refuge

Chasing the next high is the only thing that ‘makes life worth living’ for many of Delhi’s street children, some as young as 8. Most don’t want to be ‘rescued'.

Nalla Samayam offended Kerala excise dept but fans pouring in love for the ‘Omar fun stoner’

As director Lulu gets embroiled in a drug promotion controversy, he's awaiting an OTT release for the film.

Those taking drugs are victims, says Amit Shah, MPs rake up Sushant Singh Rajput death in LS

During discussion on drug menace in Parliament, Shah also said that foreign countries were using profits from drug trade to also fund terrorism in India.

On Camera

Asim Munir wants to be guardian of the Middle East. He’s fated to fail at home

Countering insurgency needs the Pakistan Army to demonstrate a political will that ties leaders at the centre with those in the borderlands. But it may not have the imagination.

Slashing GST on waste can unlock Rs 1.8 lakh crore, high tax hurting circular economy goals—CSE

Centre for Science and Environment in new report makes case for rationalising GST on waste material, saying most informal operators can’t afford high tax & it also hinders recycling.

India, US troops to undertake joint military exercise next month, first after Op Sindoor

21st edition of annual joint military exercise will be held from 1 to 16 September, aimed at sharing military tech, operational best practices & disaster relief coordination methods.

Modi’s ready to risk it all for farmers. Farm reform can answer Trump with new Green Revolution

Standing up to America is usually not a personal risk for a leader in India. Any suggestions of foreign pressure unites India behind who they see as leading them in that fight.