Lamborghini, Trump . . . they’re ecstasy

CHENNAI: Lamborghini, Blue Punisher and Trump are not only names of high-end cars or world leaders. They are also brand names of popular party drug ecstasy which are now being ordered by youngsters in Tamil Nadu from abroad, mainly Europe, through post.
Since March 24, when the lockdown began, there have been at least six instances of Air Customs seizing pills of ecstasy (chemical name MDMA) worth a few lakh rupees, flown in from the Netherlands, Germany and the United Kingdom.

“During the lockdown, there has been a spurt in seizures of MDMA pills as people are staying at home and longer stay creates anxiety. Also alcohol is not available,” said a senior Customs official. MDMA alters mood and perception and is similar to hallucinogens and stimulants inducing feeling of increased energy and pleasure and can cause dehydration and lethargy as well. “It is ordered through the dark net and paid for in bitcoins,” said the official.
According to UK-based The Loop, there are at least 10 popular ecstasy pills in different colours with dosages as high as 300 mg on the Euopean party circuit - Purple Audi, Orange Trump, Pink Putin, Yellow and White Technogym, brown donkey kong and brown Phillip Plein. A consignment of Phillip Plein was recently seized by Chennai Customs.
All these drugs come embossed with logos and are deadly. The Blue Punisher pill, which can contain 250mg-300mg, has resulted in death of a few youngsters who consumed it.
A senior official told TOI MDMA, which is not made in India, is manufactured using Safrole, a compound obtained from sassafras tree found only in regions surrounding the North Pole. “That is why it has to be ordered from European countries. Many such illicit drugs are available through dark net,” the official said.
In case, the drug is not delivered, the loss is equally divided among the consumer and supplier, the official added.
The Customs official said these drugs are ordered by addicts who also resort to selling them on the party circuits in major cities in India. Recently, an employee of a global firm located in a posh area of Bengaluru was arrested for ordering these drugs through Chennai airport, which indicates that it is popular among wealthy youngsters in the country.