Chennai: Based on intelligence, Chennai Air Customs intercepted two postal parcels suspected to contain psychotropic drugs which were destined for USA at Foreign Post Office.
The first parcel was found to contain 20 strips of Alprazolam concealed inside a cardboard packet wrapped with black carbon paper. Total 300 tablets of Alprazolam were recovered. From other parcel 155 tablets of Lorazepam, Clonazepam and Diazepam were found concealed in similar manner. Total 455 tablets of psychotropic drugs were recovered and seized under the NDPS Act, 1985.
The parcels were destined to Gallatin, Alexander cities in Tennessee and Arkansas states of USA and were booked from Madurai. On follow up search, it was found that the parcels were booked by a person who is running a pharmaceutical export firm in Madurai and which is exporting Ayurvedic, Siddha & Allopathic medicines.
The exporter has sent psychotropic drug to overseas buyers using fake sender name without having authorisation from Narcotics commissioner and the payments were received through Pay pal. He has been arrested.
These are psychotropic drugs falling under Schedule ‘H’ &‘H1’ of Drug and Cosmetic Rule 1945 and are also covered under NDPS Act, 1985. For legal export of these drugs, license is required from the Narcotics commissioner. These drugs belongs to class of medicine known as Benzodiazepine, which is used in the treatment of anxiety, seizures and panic attack. The abuse of these drugs is common among youth. Further investigation is in progress, according to a press release issued by the Commissioner of Customs, Chennai International Airport.