Idukki: As part of the Kerala Police’s anti-drug Operation Toofan raids, Nedumkandam police arrested three youths and uncovered a disturbing new pattern of substance abuse.According to the police, the accused were using powerful painkiller tablets prescribed to cancer patients after chemotherapy to get intoxicated. The arrests were made in two separate cases. The accused have been identified as Francis (22) of Puthakkil, Nedumkandam, Anzil (22) of Chirakkunnel, and Jasmin (25) of Manjappara Mannickal.Police seized packets of high-potency painkiller tablets worth approximately Rs 22,000, along with ganja, insulin syringes, and improvised smoking devices.During interrogation, investigators found that the youths allegedly dissolved the prescription painkiller tablets in a sodium chloride solution and injected the mixture into their bodies using insulin syringes. Police also discovered that the group allegedly used plastic bottles fitted with papaya stems as makeshift smoking devices.The accused reportedly told police that combining the injected drug with ganja produced an intoxicating effect lasting up to two days. The arrests were made during a late-night inspection on Thursday led by Nedumkandam SI Lijo P Mani.According to the statements given by the accused, the painkiller tablets had been purchased from a medical store in Kattappana on the instruction of a man identified as Divakar, who allegedly provided Rs 22,000 to procure the drugs. Police have launched an investigation to trace Divakar and identify the source of the medication. Investigators also suspect that more youths are involved in the network. Further investigation is underway, the SI said.
