The death of NRI Anmol Sarna is yet another glaring example of rampant use of drugs by youth in Delhi. Despite several provisions in place to curb the practice, students manage to get an access to these drugs, including lSD (lysergic acid diethylamide). Rave parties have become a common phenomenon. It raises questions over the preparedness and vigilance of the police.
Anmol, Praneel, Shivang, Madhav and Rhytham — the five friends had consumed lSD at Praneel’s Kalkaji residence. Strange as it may seem, but Praneel’s parents had no idea about what their son and his friends were up to. Drugs being used for rave parties are easily available in Delhi-NCR areas. There are several drug peddlers who are in connivance with law enforcing agencies.
Now, the question arises as to how the drugs are available to Capital youths. The Pioneer spoke to several students who had tried or were once a frequent consumer of such drugs. It was informed that Ganja, commonly known as weed or pot, is the cheapest form of drug, which is available in Noida. Its cost ranges from `50 to `500, depending upon the quality. Reportedly, several vendors are active near private schools and universities in Sector 22, Sector 125, Sector 31 and Sector 37.
A former student of a university in Noida claimed that peddlers first identify a reliable consumer and thereafter spreads his business through him or her. “It is certainly not a difficult thing to procure and consume. lot of paan shops sell in Noida and Delhi OCB or Rizla paper, which is used to consume drugs,” he said. Charas, also known as ‘Hash’ or ‘Hashish’ is another form of drug which is readily available in the Capital.
Areas like Defence colony, South Extension, Ansal Plaza are few areas where drug deals are finalised. One tola (gram) is available with a range of `1,200-5,000 depending upon the quality. Drugs like lSD, which commonly known as Stamp, are mostly demanded for house parties or round-the-clock music concerts. The 'trip' of lSD is known to last for more than 10 hours. It's available for around `1,500 a drop.
A 23-year-old graduate who purchased it through a peddler told The Pioneer that lSD makes you energetic and hallucinations start. "When I consumed it for the first time in 2010, I danced for four hours continuously. Everything around you looks slow. Two minutes will look like 10 minutes. People generally go on a bad trip if they start going negative and in that intention they get out of control," he claimed.
Drugs like cocaine are labelled as 'posh drugs'. Cocaine is commonly known as 'Charlie' or 'Coke'. A gram of it costs about Rs 3,500-5,000 or more. Generally snorted by people, it is known to make the user more confident. "Even if you try sitting your legs will shiver. Eyes would be wide open and sleep won't come easily," said a consumer.
Following the incident, the Delhi Police is going to start a drive to crack a whip on drug peddlers in the Capital, "A special drive will soon be launched to come down on the peddlers all over the Capital," said Deputy Commissioner of Police, PRO, Rajan Bhagat.