Keep off ‘ecstatic’ Krokodil, the latest killer

Krokodil, a new deadly drug that has taken countless lives in Russia, is apparently making its way into the narcotics chain in India. The police in Mumbai say that they are aware about the effects of the drug and that they are keeping a close watch so that its use does not spread here.

Though it’s chemical name is Desomorphine (dihydrodesoxymorphine, Permonid), Krokodil is the name by which it is known in the by-lanes in Russia. The use of this drug is also prevalent in other European countries. It has been reported recently that Norwegian heroin addicts are now using it.

The drug – a derivative of morphine – has been described as ‘Russia’s most deadly drug’, as it has caused countless deaths. Krokodil is highly addictive and in combination with certain over-the-counter drugs like codeine has ghastly effects on a person’s body, like visible, black, scaly patches. Which is what got it the name Krokodil – Russian for crocodile.

Krokodil has sedative and analgesic properties, but it is said to be about 10 times more potent than morphine. Its effect (commonly called a ‘high’ with reference to addicts) lasts for half an hour and can go on for an hour, according to reports.

The use of the drug has spread in Russia in the past couple of years, apparently due to its simple synthesis from codeine, an over-the-counter drug. It can be made using the right proportions of codeine together with iodine and red phosphorous. This process is said to be highly contaminated, with several poisonous and acidic consequences.

This is what is worrying the authorities and the fact that the ingredients used to make Krokodil are not restricted. Besides, the drug is cheaper than morphine. Like crack is said to be a poor man’s dose of cocaine, Krokodil is said to be the poor man’s dose of heroin in Russia. Krokodil attracted attention following cases of severe tissue damage,  phlebitis and gangrene among drug users. There have been reports of some long-term abusers forced to undergo amputation of limbs.

The Anti-Narcotics Cell of the Mumbai Police Crime Branch has started tracking the use of Krokodil, hoping to control the spread of this deadly drug in the city and beyond. Himanshu Roy, joint commissioner of police (crime), said, “Though the use of Krokodil is not prevalent as yet. We are aware of its dangers and we will remain vigilant so that the drug is not permitted to enter our city.”