Hyderabad: Investigators probing the sale of adulterated toddy in Vikarabad district received sample reports from the regional chemical laboratory of Prohibition and Excise Department confirming that the toddy laced with banned narcotics – diazepam and alprazolam – was sold to customers.
A few toddy shop owners were found to be selling toddy mixed with diazepam and alprazolam while some were lacing only diazepam. Officials said the two drugs fall under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, if used illegally.
They said most shop owners were using diazepam and alprazolam for spiking toddy and added that its overuse can result in addiction and drug abuse. An excise official said the department had already booked a case against the shop owners under provisions of Excise Act after the incident came to light and seized 15 shops.
“We will file a memo in the court and invoke NDPS Act against the owners. As of now, no one was arrested,” he said adding the department came to know that some persons were delivering these two drugs to owners at the shops only.
“We are trying to nab the suppliers to control the sale of adulterated toddy in the district. We will also try to trace the origin of these drugs,” the official said.
More than150 people fell sick in the district after consuming adulterated toddy last week. The district administration admitted the patients at the hospitals in Vikarabad and Hyderabad and ensured proper treatment to them.
Except for two patients, who are undergoing treatment at Vikarabad, the remaining was discharged from the hospitals. The guidance of psychiatrists was also taken to treat the patients who behaved abnormally after allegedly consuming toddy.
Officials said the toddy compounds in and around the city and on suburbs sell toddy lacing it with diazepam, alprazolam and chloral hydrate, which will have a long-term unbearable impact on overall health of those consuming it.
The owners mix the toddy with chemicals to give more kick to customers and make a quick buck.
Also read:
‘Spiked’ toddy triggers panic in Vikarabad
Vikarabad toddy incident: More people admitted to hospitals
Several fall ill in Vikarabad; adulterated toddy suspected
Toddy laced with drugs in Vikarabad, reveals probe
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