On 26 December, a 35-year-old woman was caught selling injections that contained psychotropic elements like mephentermine without valid prescriptions or licenses. In the Kotla Mubarakpur area of South Delhi, it was observed that she used to sell these injections mostly to gym-going enthusiasts on the road. Such disturbing misuse of injections for non-medical purposes was detected through coordinated operation conducted jointly by ANTF of Delhi Crime Branch and Delhi drug department.Key Details:

• The Raid:

Based on a tip-off, a joint team raided the residence of Nidhi, the accused and recovered around 60 injections of mephentermine, which is classified under Schedule-H of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

• Legal Context:

Mephentermine injections require a valid prescription for legal use. Notwithstanding this, though not governed by the NDPS Act, any offense committed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, within the confines of Sections 22/23 can call for some severe punishments as up to three years or life imprisonment.

• The Accused:

Nidhi has no previous criminal record. However, her involvement in storing and distributing psychotropic substances poses a significant public health risk, especially to the youth in the area, police said.

• Seizure and Action:

All 60 seized injections were confiscated, and further legal action has been initiated by the drug inspector under the applicable provisions of the law.

• Statements by Authorities:

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime), Bhisham Singh: He said that the mephentermine injections were indeed seized, and further investigation is in process to find out if they are part of a larger network of drug trafficking or not.

• Public Health Issue:

The authorities believe that the activities of the accused promoted misuse of psychotropic drugs, mainly by gym enthusiasts in the region, which is becoming a concern for non-medical consumption trends.

• What is Mephentermine?

Mephentermine is a Schedule-H drug commonly used to treat low blood pressure. However, it has gained popularity in fitness circles as a performance-enhancement substance, leading to its illegal sale and misuse.

• Ongoing Investigations:

Authorities are investigating Nidhi’s network and whether she was part of a larger syndicate involved in the illegal distribution of psychotropic drugs. This crackdown aims to curb the misuse of such substances, especially among young individuals.