Pregabalin abuse by inmates alarms Amritsar jail officials

Amritsar Central Jail officials are alarmed by the growing misuse of Pregabalin, known locally as “Ghode wale capsule”, which is being smuggled into the jail premises. Pregabalin, an anticonvulsant and analgesic used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and anxiety, is being abused as a recreational drug by addicts. The powdered form of the capsules has been thrown over the jail’s walls several times, leading to its misuse inside the facility.

The District Magistrates of Punjab had already banned the sale of Pregabalin formulations exceeding 75mg due to rising concerns over its abuse. Former Deputy Commissioner Ghanshyam Thori had written to the Health Secretary, urging stricter regulation of the drug to prevent addiction. He emphasised the need for stringent guidelines on prescribing Pregabalin and its classification as a controlled substance.

A jail official, speaking anonymously, revealed that pouches containing powdered Pregabalin are regularly thrown into the jail. Recently, authorities seized a pouch containing 100 gram of the powder, with inmates reportedly consuming it by sniffing, a method that increases the risk of overdose and death.

Jail Superintendent Hemant Sharma confirmed the ongoing issue and highlighted measures taken to curb the smuggling, referred to as ‘phenka’ (throwing of prohibited material inside jail premises). These include increased patrolling, deploying well-behaved inmates as monitors, and setting up police checkpoints around the jail.

In September alone, officials confiscated 85 mobile phones in addition to other contraband items. Enhanced security measures, including night patrols and thorough sanitation of areas near barracks, have been implemented to combat these smuggling attempts.