When Sangita's (name changed) parents found dark circles under her eyes and her loss of interest in studies though SSC preliminary exams were going on, they felt something amiss. They soon discovered Sangita had been taking drugs for two months. They then approached Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) and found out that the girl was on MD (mephedrone) and it was being supplied by a plumber in Sawarkar Nagar, Thane.
When Sangita's (name changed) parents found dark circles under her eyes and her loss of interest in studies though SSC preliminary exams were going on, they felt something amiss. They soon discovered Sangita had been taking drugs for two months. They then approached Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) and found out that the girl was on MD (mephedrone) and it was being supplied by a plumber in Sawarkar Nagar, Thane.
The plumber, Sudhir Nishad, was caught red-handed, handing over drug sachet to the girl on Jan 13. He was produced in court which remanded him in police custody till Jan 17. He has been booked under section 328 (causing hurt by means of poison, etc. with intent to commit an offence) of IPC.
Explaining their ordeal Sangita's father said: "A month ago when I came home I saw my daughter very stressed. When I asked her about her studies, she did not reply and went to sleep. When I asked my wife, she told me Sangita had been behaving thus for days and had not been eating."
"Her behavior had changed. She had stopped arguing and was indifferent. She did not sleep well and there were dark circles under her eyes. We took her to a doctor who assured us everything was fine," her father said.
They weren't sure, and started their own investigation! "I observed that every time she went out in the evenings, she talked to the local plumber. Observing her behaviour, we thought she might be on drugs and approached ANC on Jan 13."
M Dharmadhikari, senior police inspector, ANC, Thane said: "During Navratri time, a few of her friends discussed MD in powder form. Out of curiosity, she investigated and found the local plumber was taking MD. He gave her some for free, and later she started buying from him. She took MD five-six times in two months. She even stole money from home or borrowed from friends to buy the drug. Each packet (a few grams in crystal/powder form) costs approximately Rs 500."
The cops have counselled the girl, and though she has promised to give up MD, her parents are keeping a close watch.
Dharmadhikari said: "If a person takes MD in excess, that can affect his mind and body. He/she does not get enough sleep and does not feel hungry. They are lost in their own world. Hence, parents should keep a check on their children."
Nishad said he had got the drug from Mumbra. He also revealed it's available in Sion, Kurla, Mankhurd and Dongri.
16 kg MD seized in 2 months
In the last two months ANC has seized 16kg of MD. Most of the accused in these cases are from Mumbai. On investigation, it was found that they are small-time dealers who bought the drug in bulk from Mumbai. They keep some for themselves and sell the rest to sustain themselves.
Strawberry Quick, the new drug in market
A new drug, 'Strawberry Quick', is said to be making the rounds in the market and ANC Thane is behind it. Reportedly, the drug is sold to school and college students, at times wrapped in chocolate packets. The strawberry-flavored chocolate crackles in the mouth and the user soon goes into a trance. Though no case on this has been detected in Thane, cops are on alert and are studying more about this drug.
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