Nitrazepam seizure in Kochi: Excise sleuths suspect racket’s role

Kochi: Excise officials have launched a detailed probe into the source of nitrazepam tablets seized near Town Hall on Friday. Officials are investigating how the accused was able to acquire such a large cache of prescription drugs which is normally used to treat insomnia and severe anxiety, which require a triple prescription.The case involves the arrest of Faisal Nasser, a 33-year-old known by aliases Padayappa Faisal and Doctor Faisal. He sold narcotic pills for a long time and is a suspect in multiple drug cases with excise and police, including sale of MDMA, nitrazepam and ganja.
A total of 159 nitrazepam pills and MDMA were seized from him on Friday. Possessing more than 20g of such narcotic pills is a serious offence, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh, said excise officials. The seized narcotic pills weighed approximately 89.205g. Excise officials said this was the largest seizure of nitrazepam tablets in a long time."Previously, widespread purchase of such pills using fake prescriptions from medical stores led to stricter excise checks, effectively curbing this activity. These narcotic pills, classified under Schedule H1, are rarely available and require a triple prescription, with copies kept for doctor, medical store and patient. Initial investigation suggests these pills were smuggled from Salem and Coimbatore. A detailed investigation was launched into the racket. We will also investigate whether any medical stores in the city were involved," said a senior excise officer.Officials said pills priced at Rs 6 each were sold wholesale for Rs 100, with retail sellers charging higher prices based on demand."Clear leads about his accomplices were obtained and more arrests are expected. Further investigation into source of these drugs will continue, and strict action against drug syndicates will be pursued in the coming days," said Ernakulam excise circle inspector Salim Kumar Das.Officials said primary targets of Nasser were students and young adults staying in hostels. He initially provided these narcotic pills for free as a "test dose" to those who did not use them before. He supplied the drugs based on pre-orders from consumers. Officials added that experts opine misuse of these substances can lead to severe health issues."We had prior intelligence about the individual selling narcotic pills to students and young adults under the name Padayappa Faisal," said an official. He was arrested based on a tip-off that he was residing at Paradise Gents Hostel in Ernakulam Lissie-Pullepady Road. Excise shadow team surrounded him. Officials added they are also planning to warn owners of hostels and lodges not to allow rooms to such history-sheeters.