The state of Tamil Nadu has witnessed a staggering three-fold increase in the seizure of pharmaceutical tablets diverted for narcotic use in 2024 compared to the previous year. This alarming trend has raised significant concerns among law enforcement agencies, health professionals, and policymakers, highlighting a growing issue of prescription drug abuse among the youth. Official data reveals that 1.42 lakh tablets were seized in 2024, a significant jump from 39,910 tablets in 2023. This spike suggests not only the increasing prevalence of prescription drug abuse but also a concerted crackdown by law enforcement agencies to curb the illegal supply of these drugs.
The Rising Trend of Pharmaceutical Drug Abuse
The misuse of pharmaceutical drugs for recreational purposes is not a new phenomenon. However, in recent years, Tamil Nadu has seen a rapid escalation in the diversion of prescription medications into the illegal drug market. According to police sources, the majority of these seized tablets are pain relief and anti-anxiety medications. These drugs, intended for legitimate medical use, are being sourced without prescriptions from unregulated pharmacies in states like Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Additionally, many of these drugs are ordered online through e-commerce platforms, making it difficult for authorities to trace the transactions and regulate the supply.
One of the key reasons behind this rise in pharmaceutical drug abuse is the ease of accessibility. Unlike traditional narcotics such as ganja or heroin, pharmaceutical drugs can be procured from legal sources with relatively low risk. This has made them a preferred alternative for drug peddlers and abusers, particularly among young people who may be hesitant to engage in more overtly illegal drug activities.
How Prescription Drugs Are Being Abused
The method of consumption of these diverted pharmaceutical drugs varies, but most abusers tend to crush the pills, mix them with water or nitrous oxide solutions, and inject the mixture to achieve a prolonged euphoric high. This method of abuse is highly dangerous, as it increases the risk of overdose and severe health complications, including cardiovascular issues, respiratory depression, and infections from unsterilized needles.
Youngsters, particularly those in the age group of 18-25, are the most affected demographic. Many of those arrested in Chennai for peddling or abusing these tablets come from impoverished backgrounds. This suggests that financial constraints and lack of awareness about the dangers of drug abuse play a significant role in the rising trend. The youth are particularly vulnerable due to stress from academic and professional competition, peer pressure, and a general lack of awareness about the long-term consequences of drug abuse.
The “Substitution Effect” and Changing Drug Trends
A key factor contributing to the increased abuse of pharmaceutical drugs is the “substitution effect.” This theory suggests that as authorities impose stricter controls on the supply of traditional narcotics like ganja, drug networks adapt by shifting to alternative substances. In Tamil Nadu, this trend is clearly visible as the total seizure of ganja has reduced from 23,364 kg in 2023 to 21,423 kg in 2024. This decline in ganja availability has pushed drug peddlers to seek alternative products, such as prescription medications, which are easier to distribute in small quantities and more challenging for authorities to detect.
Supporting this theory, the number of cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act has increased from 10,256 in 2023 to 11,025 in 2024. While the enforcement efforts have intensified, the evolving tactics of drug peddlers continue to pose a challenge.
Psychological and Societal Factors Driving Drug Abuse
According to Shreekumar Menon, a retired IRS officer and UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime) consultant on drugs, the consumption of pharmaceutical tablets among youngsters has increased due to high levels of stress, academic pressure, and job-related anxiety. With increasing competition in education and the workforce, many young individuals turn to prescription drugs as a coping mechanism.
“The sensations from the use of these tablets help them sleep or relax, and they seek to repeat this experience, leading to addiction,” Menon explains.
Additionally, stimulant drugs, including amphetamines and other prescription medicines, are frequently used by individuals working night shifts to enhance concentration and stay awake for extended periods. This dependence on stimulants for productivity further exacerbates the problem.
The Challenges in Law Enforcement
Unlike traditional narcotics, which are often transported in large, detectable quantities, pharmaceutical drugs are peddled in smaller amounts, making detection and enforcement significantly more challenging. Since these drugs are legally available in pharmacies for medical purposes, legal loopholes make it difficult for law enforcement agencies to prosecute individuals involved in their illegal distribution.
Recognizing this issue, the Tamil Nadu police have written to the apex Drug Controller General of India, urging for stricter guidelines and legal amendments to address the diversion of licensed pharmaceutical drugs into the illegal drug market. Stronger regulations, better monitoring of prescription drug sales, and increased awareness campaigns are necessary to combat this growing problem.
The Role of Online Pharmacies and Dark Web Networks
One of the emerging concerns in pharmaceutical drug abuse is the role of online pharmacies and dark web networks. Many of these drugs are ordered online without proper prescriptions, making it difficult to track transactions and prevent illegal sales. While e-commerce platforms have implemented measures to curb the sale of restricted medications, loopholes still exist, allowing illicit drug networks to exploit the system.
Measures to Address the Crisis
To tackle this alarming rise in prescription drug abuse, a multi-pronged approach is necessary. Some key measures that need to be implemented include:
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Stronger Regulations on Prescription Drugs: Authorities must tighten regulations around the sale of prescription drugs, ensuring that only licensed medical practitioners can prescribe them. Pharmacies should be required to maintain digital records of sales and report suspicious purchases.
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Crackdown on Illegal Online Sales: Online pharmacies and e-commerce platforms need to implement stricter verification processes to prevent the sale of prescription drugs without valid medical documentation. Law enforcement agencies must also monitor the dark web for illegal drug transactions.
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Public Awareness Campaigns: Many young individuals are unaware of the dangers associated with prescription drug abuse. Schools, colleges, and workplaces should introduce awareness programs highlighting the risks of addiction and the severe health consequences of misuse.
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Improved Rehabilitation and Counseling Services: Drug addiction is a medical condition that requires proper treatment. Establishing more rehabilitation centers, offering psychological counseling, and providing community support can help individuals recover and reintegrate into society.
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International Cooperation: Since many of these drugs are sourced from outside Tamil Nadu, law enforcement agencies must work closely with authorities in other states like Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh to dismantle supply chains at the source. Coordination with central agencies and international organizations can also help address cross-border drug trafficking.
Tamil Nadu’s sharp rise in the seizure of pharmaceutical tablets for narcotic use underscores a shifting landscape in drug abuse and distribution networks. While the increase in seizures highlights the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts, it also points to the growing accessibility and demand for prescription drug abuse among youngsters. Addressing this issue requires a combination of stringent regulations, public awareness, improved law enforcement strategies, and better rehabilitation services.
Without swift and effective action, the misuse of pharmaceutical drugs could lead to a larger health crisis, further endangering the lives of vulnerable individuals. Strengthening policies, monitoring illegal sales, and promoting a culture of awareness can help curb this rising menace before it spirals out of control.
