In a year, over 700 fail dope test in Muktsar

Archit Watts
Tribune News Service
Muktsar, July 11

As many as 720 people of the total 4,800 flunked the dope test at the Muktsar Civil Hospital in the past one year.

Notably, a majority of these people had taken the test just to obtain fresh arms licence or for its renewal as the state government made it mandatory for everyone, barring senior citizens. The test costs Rs 1,500 at a state-run hospital.

Confirming the number of people who flunked the test, Dr Rahul Jindal, psychiatrist, Mukstar Civil Hospital, said, “Maximum people are found positive to benzodiazepine and morphine groups, which mean they are consuming sedative pills, poppy husk, opium, heroin or any other synthetic drug. Most of them are in 20-30 age group. Then there are middle-aged. However, none has been found hooked to any sedative capsules or cocaine.”

He said, “A woman too was found positive in the dope test. However, she was on medication for some mental disorder. The latest trend shows that a majority of elderly people have quit drugs.”

Sources, however, said there were some loopholes in the existing system, which makes it easy for an addict to clear the test. “There is still a possibility to give proxy urine sample as there is hardly any system in place to know that whether the genuine applicant had given the sample or someone else. Further, there is no limit on taking the dope test. If one is found positive, they may take the test again by paying fresh fee. Also, if one doesn’t consume any drug for two-three days, they may clear the test. For old addicts, this period increases to 10-15 days. It means if an addict has to clear the test, they will have to quit the drugs for just about 10-15 days,” sources added.

Dr Jindal too confirmed that some people even clear the test after quitting the drugs temporarily. “We can’t check whether the person who tested negative in the dope test was again consuming any drug or not,” he added.

In 20-30 age group

Maximum people are found consuming sedative pills, poppy husk, opium, heroin or any other synthetic drug. A majority of them are in 20-30 age group. Then there are middle-aged. However, none has been found hooked to any sedative capsules or cocaine — Dr Rahul Jindal, Psychiatrist