Punjab's drug problem: How 'prega' is becoming the new 'chitta'

Punjab youths on a new high (Representative image)

Punjab’s rural youths are riding a dangerous new wave trading one addiction for another. With the prices of popular and notorious drugs like 'chitta' rising, ‘ghoda’ or 'prega' (Pregabalin) has become a go-to for the village youths.

The crackdown on ‘chitta’, a synthetic drug made from heroin, in Punjab has led to a spike in drug prices and its reduced availability. The addicts are now getting hooked to this new drug - 'ghoda' - that is medically used to treat neuropathic pain in animals. This is a low-cost animal drug very easily available in black market.

“It takes just 20 minutes to get it (ghoda) from the market,” The Tribune newspaper cited a local drug user who revealed that ‘prega’ mimics the effects of opioids — euphoria, relaxation, and a sense of calm.

‘Ghoda’ is used to describe all kinds of drug formulations that come in a capsule form.

Sale of Pregabalin capsules and tablets in formulations exceeding 75mg has been banned by district authorities across Punjab. Recently, Patiala Additional District Magistrate, Kanchan, has imposed a complete ban on the sale of Pregabalin capsules and tablets in formulations exceeding 75 mg across the district. This ban will remain in place until November 2 this year.

A ban order issued by Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Ghansham Thori said the sale or storage of over 75mg was banned, and even 75mg dosage would be sold only on valid prescription.

Since these drugs come under the ambit of the NDPS Act, they are hard to source from chemists. However, it's not tough to get them in the black market.

Police crackdown on international drug smugglers in recent months has pointed towards a growing “shortage” of opium-based 'chitta'. This year alone, the Punjab Police have seized around 3 crore intoxicant tablets and capsules.