Rural youths in Punjab on a new high, this time on ‘prega’

Aman Sood/Manmeet Singh Gill

Punjab’s youths in rural area are on a new high. After the rampant use of ‘chitta’ in the state and resultant police action, they are now getting hooked to ‘ghoda’ or ‘prega’, short for Pregabalin drug, used to treat neuropathic pain in animals.

‘Ghoda’ is common among drug users dependent on ‘goli gatta’ in villages, ever since police crackdown pushed the prices of other drugs. ‘Ghoda’ is used to describe all kinds of drug formulations that come in a capsule form.

A drug user told The Tribune that it was easier to procure them and that they produced a feeling of euphoria, relaxation, and calmness — similar to opioids, which were hard to buy. “Twenty minutes is all it takes to get it from the market,” he said.

Dr Jaspreet Singh of the government Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment (OOAT) centre near Patti admitted that easy availability and low cost had made it popular among addicts.

Alarmed by the emerging situation, the District Magistrates across Punjab have banned the sale of Pregabalin capsules and tablets in formulations exceeding 75mg.

The ban orders by Additional Deputy Commissioner-cum-Additional District Magistrate Kanchan read, ‘Following consultations with representatives of the Indian Medical Association and Chemists Associations in Patiala, who corroborated the widespread abuse of these drugs, a strict ban on Pregabalin formulations over 75mg is necessary. Additionally, the sale of Pregabalin up to 75mg will be closely regulated.’

Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Ghansham Thori said the sale or storage of over 75mg was banned, and even 75mg dosage would be sold only on valid prescription.

The list of medicines under ‘goli gatta’ runs long and includes formulations, such as Tramadol, Diazepam, Proxyvon and Fortwin. However, since these drugs come under the ambit of the NDPS Act, they are hard to source from chemists.

At the same time, however, it is not too difficult to get them on the black market, especially if cost is not an issue. A drug user from Daoke village said, ‘Sman (smack) sab toh wadia, per je nahi mildi tan goli gatta time sar denda (Smack is the best but if it is not available, these medicines help pass the time).’

3 crore intoxicant pills seized

This year alone, the Punjab Police have seized around 3 crore intoxicant tablets, capsules, etc. Codeine, Dextropropoxyphene, Diphenoxylate, Pentazocine, Nitrazepam, Buprenorphine and their salts and formulations, and oral solid dosage forms of Tramadol and Tapentadol are listed as restricted drugs. Chemists or druggists who intend to stock, purchase or sell these drugs are require an approval from the department concerned. They are also required to maintain records.