Synthetic drugs pose new challenge for India, Bangladesh

Both the countries decided to share actionable intelligence and information regarding these drugs, produced cheaply in laboratories, and are available easily under popular names like 'Speed' and 'Ecstasy'.

These drugs are largely used by youngsters.

"We are worried over the increase in the volume and usage of new synthetic drugs across the borders that we share. We need to protect the future generations from this menace," Director General of the Department of Narcotics Control (DNC) Bangladesh Mohammad Iqbal told reporters here.

The smuggling of synthetic drugs, also known as Amphetamine Type Stimulants (ATS), has seen a considerable increase as the security agencies seized 85,498 ampules of the contraband this year as compared to 75,857 ampules last year.

The concern of Bangladesh DNC was also shared by their India's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).

Iqbal, along with a DNC delegation, was here to chalk out strategies to curb narcotics menace in collaboration with NCB.

During the media interaction, NCB chief Ajay Chadha said Phensedyl, a pharma syrup widely used as a drug, is a "problem" and challenge for Indian security and enforcement agencies and they are trying to curb its smuggling from the Indian side to Bangladesh.

Chadha also said a number of vulnerable smuggling points along the border have been identified for increased vigil by the agencies during the 3rd DG0level talks here. MORE